Red Wings Preseason Preview: Setting the Tone Against Buffalo
The Detroit Red Wings got preseason play off to a promising start Tuesday night, edging the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 behind strong performances from their younger core. Now they’ll look to build on that win when they host the Buffalo Sabres tonight at Little Caesars Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
How to Watch
Date: 09/25/2025
Time: 7:00 pm EST
Stadium: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Radio: 950 AM
Watch: DetroitRedWings.com
Odds:
-Spread: Detroit Red Wings –1.5 (+125)/ Buffalo Sabres +1.5 (-150)
-Money Line: Detroit Red Wings -190/ Buffalo Sabres +155
-Over/Under: 6
Odds from BetMGM current to the time of publishing
Red Wings Youth Movement on Display
Tuesday’s opener showed why fans should be excited about Detroit’s pipeline. Rookie center Emmitt Finnie led the way with a goal and an assist, while Nate Danielson and Carter Mazur also found the back of the net. Finnie’s skating was on display every shift, and he’ll be one of the young players to watch again tonight.
In net, Sebastian Cossa looked composed while stopping 15 of 17 shots. His performance won’t end the competition for goalie depth behind Ville Husso and John Gibson, but it was an encouraging step. Buffalo’s deeper forward group should present a tougher test.
Larkin’s Emphasis on Confidence
After the opener, captain Dylan Larkin pointed to confidence as the key for this group.
“I really hope that as the season goes on, we build confidence in games like that.”
-Dylan Larkin via Detroit Red Wings
He also praised the younger group, saying, “They all look good. They all look like they can think and and skate well and have the the raw attributes that make make someone a good hockey player.”
That kind of leadership matters for a roster still finding the right balance between veterans and kids battling for roster spots.
What’s at Stake
Preseason may not count in the standings, but these games help shape roles before opening night. Depth forwards, power-play looks, and blue-line pairings will all be tinkered with against Buffalo. Strong showings now can earn a player ice time when the games start counting.
For fans, it’s also the first chance to see how Detroit stacks up against another Atlantic Division rival. The Sabres, like the Wings, are trying to prove they’re ready to take the next step after years of building.
If Detroit can show the same pace and discipline it did against Chicago, tonight could offer another glimpse of a team trying to turn preseason momentum into regular-season consistency.
Richard Knight
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