Red Wings Aim to Follow Sabres’ Path to Break Playoff Drought
The Buffalo Sabres have surged while the Detroit Red Wings have slipped. They meet Friday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Red Wings look to mirror the Sabres’ path as they try to break a long playoff drought.
Standings and recent form
Buffalo leads the Atlantic Division. The Sabres sit tied with Carolina for the most Eastern Conference points at 96.
Detroit is below the playoff cutoff. The Red Wings hold an 38-25-8 record for 84 points.
| Team | Record | Points | Recent form (last 10) | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Sabres | 44-20-8 | 96 | 7-1-2 | Tage Thompson 36 G, 74 PTS |
| Detroit Red Wings | 38-25-8 | 84 | 3-5-2 | Below playoff line |
Matchup details
Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at KeyBank Center. Broadcast is on FDSN and 97.1 FM.
Buffalo has won the two previous meetings against Detroit this season.
Why Buffalo turned it around
The Sabres began 11-14-4 and were near the bottom of the division. Since that start, they have gone 33-6-4.
They average 3.47 goals per game, ranking fifth in the league. Improved goaltending and team play have driven the surge.
Voices from the teams
Defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker praised Buffalo’s collective play and pace. He spent the second half of last season in Buffalo.
Coach Todd McLellan noted the Sabres’ attack and recovery from injuries. He called them one of the more dynamic teams in the league.
Forward Lucas Raymond said the Wings are focused internally. He emphasized belief and the importance of the remaining 11 games.
Contracts and lineup notes
Bernard-Docker extension
Detroit signed Jacob Bernard-Docker to a two-year contract worth $3.2 million. The deal carries a $1.6 million average annual value.
The 25-year-old has four assists and a plus-5 rating. He averages about 15 minutes in 55 games this season.
He has formed a defensive pairing with Albert Johansson. McLellan praised Bernard-Docker’s simplicity and physical strength.
Injuries and goaltending
Goaltender Cam Talbot tweaked something recently and likely will not travel to Buffalo. He is considered day-to-day.
Detroit plans to recall a goalie from Grand Rapids to back up John Gibson. The club described the issue as minor.
Emmitt Finnie entered concussion protocol late Tuesday. He was cleared and practiced Thursday.
Report compiled for Filmogaz.com.
