Buffalo Sabres vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Predictions December 9th 2024

Wings, Sabres Enter Matchup on Lengthy Losing Streaks

Two teams desperate to snap their losing streaks will clash on Monday night as the Detroit Red Wings visit the Buffalo Sabres. Both squads are mired in frustration, with Detroit dropping five straight and Buffalo winless in six consecutive games.

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Red Wings Struggling in Close Games

Detroit’s losses have been agonizingly close, with all five defeats coming by a single goal, including a 2-1 setback to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

“No one is happy in the locker room,” defenseman Moritz Seider said. “We’re losing games that are winnable. Just can’t find ways to get it done.”

The Red Wings experienced a similar skid last season but are determined to avoid a repeat performance. Coach Derek Lalonde acknowledged the team’s struggles but noted this streak feels different.

“We’ve got to do more to flip these games,” Lalonde said.

One bright spot for Detroit has been Lucas Raymond, who has eight goals in the past nine games, including the team’s lone tally on Saturday. However, the team’s other forwards have underperformed, with stars like Patrick Kane (three goals in 22 games) and Vladimir Tarasenko (four goals in 26 games) falling short of expectations.

“A lot of frustrated guys in the room,” forward J.T. Compher said. “It’s got to be our group of guys to find a way out of it.”

Sabres’ Second-Period Woes

Buffalo’s issues are different but equally troubling. The Sabres have dropped six straight games (0-4-2), five of them at home, and have been outscored significantly in second periods during this skid.

“We’re starting games really well,” forward Jason Zucker said. “I don’t know if it’s a bit of complacency … but we’ve got to fix the second periods.”

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The Sabres were in playoff contention earlier this season but have faltered, raising concerns about extending their league-worst 13-season playoff drought.

Series Overview

The teams have split their two meetings this season. Buffalo claimed a 5-3 victory at home on Oct. 26, while Detroit responded with a 2-1 win at home on Nov. 2.

Both teams desperately need the two points, and one will finally see their streak end on Monday.

Key Players to Watch

• Lucas Raymond (DET): The winger is red-hot and could be the catalyst for a Red Wings turnaround.
• Jason Zucker (BUF): With Buffalo struggling in second periods, Zucker’s leadership and offensive spark will be critical.

Outlook

With both teams languishing near the bottom of the standings and seeking to break out of their funks, expect an intense battle. The game could come down to who executes better in key moments, a skill both teams have struggled with recently.