Game 9 Preview & Open Thread: Sabres vs. Red Wings Matinee

A Buffalo Perspective

The Buffalo Sabres will look to extend their winning streak to three games when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon. Buffalo is coming off of a 4-1 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday night, while Detroit lost 4-1 to the Boston Bruins.

The Sabres have been playing well as of late, going 4-1-1 in their last six games. They are now 6-5-1 on the season, which is good for fourth place in the Atlantic Division.

The Red Wings, on the other hand, have been struggling. They are 2-8-0 on the season and sit in last place in the Atlantic Division.

A Detroit Perspective

The Detroit Red Wings will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they visit the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon. Detroit is coming off of a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night, while Buffalo won 4-1 over the New York Islanders.

The Red Wings have been struggling to score goals this season, averaging just 2.3 goals per game. They have also been allowing too many goals, giving up an average of 4.3 goals per game.

The Sabres, on the other hand, have been playing well as of late. They are 4-1-1 in their last six games and are now 6-5-1 on the season.

Key Matchups

Here are some key matchups to watch for in Saturday's game:

• Jack Eichel vs. Dylan Larkin
• Jeff Skinner vs. Anthony Mantha
• Rasmus Ristolainen vs. Filip Hronek

Prediction

The Sabres are the favorites in this game, but the Red Wings are always a dangerous team. I think the Sabres will win 3-2.