Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres Picks and Prediction for Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Detroit Red Wings hit the road on Wednesday to face the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center at 7:30 PM ET, televised nationally on TNT. Detroit enters this matchup riding a five-game winning streak and sitting at 5-1-0 overall, including a 1-0-0 record away from home. The Red Wings just defeated Edmonton 4-2. Buffalo has struggled early at 2-4-0, with both of its victories coming on home ice. The Sabres dropped a 4-2 decision to Montreal on Monday. Puck drop preview — NHL picks for Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres built on recent form.
Red Wings Continue to Roll
Detroit’s 5-1-0 start has been fueled by strong two-way play and outstanding goaltending. Captain Dylan Larkin leads the team with 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists), pacing an attack averaging 3.33 goals per game. Larkin’s combination of speed and skill has sparked the top six, which is generating consistent scoring opportunities despite the team averaging only 27 shots per contest. The power play is effective at 22.2%, scoring four goals, while the penalty kill has been one of the league’s best at 92.3%, allowing just one goal while shorthanded.
Between the pipes, Cam Talbot has been terrific, going 3-0-0 with a 1.78 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Backup John Gibson has chipped in with two wins of his own, showing that the goaltending tandem has been one of the Red Wings’ strengths to start the season.
The Red Wings’ blue line has also been strong, keeping opponents to 2.33 goals per game and just over 25 shots per night. Detroit’s ability to control the tempo and avoid extended time in its own end has been a difference-maker through six games. The team’s most recent win, a 4-2 victory over Edmonton, saw Larkin score twice and Talbot make 29 saves in a strong all-around showing.
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Injuries: Patrick Kane is day-to-day with an expected return by October 22, while defenseman Shai Buium and center Nate Danielson remain on injured reserve until October 25.
Buffalo Struggling to Find Consistency
Buffalo’s start has been rocky at 2-4-0, with an attack that has shown promise but can’t sustain pressure. The Sabres average 2.50 goals per game while giving up 3.00, and the shot differential (33.5 allowed per game vs 29.5 taken) is an example of lapses by the defense. Still, there are bright spots. Zach Benson has been the team’s top playmaker with six assists, and veteran winger Jason Zucker leads the squad with three goals, including two on the power play. Buffalo’s power play has been effective, converting at a 26.3% rate, while the penalty kill ranks among the best in the league at 95.8%.
Goaltender Alex Lyon has been busy, starting all six games and posting a 2.55 goals-against average and a strong .924 save percentage, even as defensive breakdowns take place in front of the crease. The Sabres’ issue has been three-period breakdowns, as three of four losses have come after holding a lead or tie through two periods. In the latest defeat, a 4-2 loss to Montreal, Buffalo gave up three goals in the third period.
Injuries: The team’s younger core of players continues to develop, but injuries have hurt depth. Buffalo has several forwards out, including Beck Malenstyn (IR-NR, expected back Oct. 22), Justin Danforth (out until Nov. 15), and Carson Meyer (IR, Oct. 28). Jacob Bryson and Josh Norris are also unavailable.
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Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres Pick
Spread Pick for Red Wings vs. Sabres
- Â Detroit Red Wings -1.5 (4 Units)
Detroit enters with all the momentum, having outscored opponents 19-10 during its five-game winning streak. The Red Wings have dominated on the power play and penalty kill, and received outstanding goaltending, while Buffalo’s defense in its own end remains inconsistent. Talbot’s form gives Detroit a clear edge over a Sabres team allowing over 33 shots per night. Larkin’s line should exploit Buffalo’s injury-depleted defense, and the Red Wings’ strong puck possession should limit Buffalo’s counterattacks. The combination of scoring, penalty-free play, and superior defense makes Detroit the side to take on the puckline.
Over/Under Pick for Red Wings vs. Sabres
- Â Under 6.5 (5 Units)
Despite Detroit’s winning streak, their recent games have trended under due to strong defensive play and goaltending. The Red Wings have allowed more than two goals just once this season and average under 2.5 goals against per game. Buffalo, meanwhile, has been held to two or fewer goals in four of six games. Lyon has performed well enough to keep Buffalo competitive, even with limited offensive help. With both power plays producing at respectable but not overwhelming rates, this matchup is a solid under pick. Expect Detroit to dictate tempo, control possession, and win, with a low-scoring outcome.
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