DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings snapped their six-game losing streak with an emphatic 7-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena on March 12, 2025. This much-needed win not only lifted the team’s spirits but also brought them closer to playoff contention, now just two points away from the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot.
Leading the charge for the Red Wings was Patrick Kane, whose five-point night (two goals and three assists) was instrumental in the team's scoring outburst. At 36 years old, Kane showcased his experience and skill, proving to be the decisive player as the Red Wings dismantled the Sabres’ defense.
Joining Kane on the scoresheet was Marco Kasper, who netted two goals, and Alex DeBrincat, who contributed with one goal and three assists. "It’s good to see the scoring spread out and everyone contributing. We needed this win badly," said Kane after the game. The offensive explosion reached its peak as Vlad Tarasenko and Moritz Seider also found their names on the scoreboard, the latter scoring during a power play at 14:31 of the third period.
The game started with Buffalo taking the lead, as Tage Thompson ripped a shot past goaltender Petr Mrázek early on. "That was just the start we needed, but after they got going, it was tough to stop them," said Thompson post-game. Mrázek was making his first start for the Red Wings after being acquired at the trade deadline, making 23 saves throughout the contest. Though he faced some challenges, his composure helped the Wings gain confidence as the game progressed.
Detroit struck back quickly, as Marco Kasper deflected Edvinsson's shot past Buffalo's goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to equalize. The Wings then capitalized on some Sabres’ defensive errors, with DeBrincat and Kane each getting on the board shortly thereafter. DeBrincat’s goal, which came shortly after Kasper’s, was initially waved off due to goalie interference, but he didn't let the controversy phase him as he redeemed himself soon after.
The Red Wings’ power play was particularly effective, scoring three times on six opportunities. “We know our power play has been strong, and tonight was no exception,” Kane noted. On the other side of the ice, Buffalo head coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged his team's struggles with penalty management, stating, "Some of the D-zone turnovers – it’s hard to recover from the plays we made this evening. It was frustrating, for sure."
Both teams engaged in several scrums as tensions rose throughout the game, leading to crowded penalty boxes as players squared off. The physicality of the match reflected both teams' desperation, though the Red Wings seemed to channel their frustration more effectively.
Despite this defeat, the Sabres had some bright spots. Josh Norris scored his first goal for the team since the trade from Ottawa, stating, "It’s exciting to find the net, but it’s disappointing to lose like this." Meanwhile, Zach Benson and Thompson also provided highlight moments for the Sabres, though it wasn’t enough to counter the barrage from the Red Wings.
With this victory, the Red Wings are now tied with several other teams at 68 points, pushing them closer to achieving playoff aspirations beyond the end of the regular season. The urgency to perform is now palpable, as each game will be pivotal for the remainder of the season.
Conversely, the Sabres are left with mounting frustration, having lost seven of their last eight games. Buffalo's coaching staff will undoubtedly focus on improving puck management and defensive play going forward. While some players expressed frustration at the performance, Thompson summarized the team’s sentiment: "Dangerous group, and I think they’re very opportunistic. They don’t need a whole lot to put it in the back of the net, which reflects what happened out there tonight.
Looking forward, both teams will need to recalibrate quickly. The Red Wings will aim to build upon this momentum as they gear up for the next match, and the Sabres will seek to regroup and resolve their recent downward spiral as they return to the ice. With playoffs on the horizon, every game matters tremendously, and the stakes have never been higher.