Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres – Game Review September 25 2025
Red Wings Dominate in 5-2 Victory Over Sabres
The Detroit Red Wings showcased their offensive prowess in a convincing 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Tuesday’s preseason matchup at Little Caesars Arena on September 25, 2025. In front of 16,347 fans, Detroit’s combination of veteran leadership and young talent proved too much for the visiting Sabres to handle.
Game Flow and Key Moments
The first period set the tone for what would be a high-energy contest. Detroit struck first with a short-handed goal from Mason Appleton at 5:39, assisted by Andrew Copp. The Sabres responded quickly, tying the game just 44 seconds later when Noah Ostlund converted on the power play with assists from Josh Doan and Jack Quinn.
Detroit reclaimed the lead at 9:04 of the opening frame when Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scored on the power play, putting the Red Wings up 2-1 heading into the first intermission.
The second period saw Josh Doan tie the game at 2-2 with another power-play goal for Buffalo at 6:59, but that would be the last time the Sabres found the back of the net. Detroit’s captain Dylan Larkin broke the tie at 10:04, followed by defenseman Moritz Seider extending the lead to 4-2 at 12:35. Andrew Copp capped off an impressive three-goal period for Detroit with his tally at 18:23, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The third period remained scoreless as the Red Wings successfully protected their three-goal advantage to secure the win.
Standout Performances
Detroit Red Wings
- Andrew Copp had a complete performance with a goal and an assist, contributing to both even-strength and short-handed scoring.
- Lucas Raymond showcased his playmaking ability with two assists, setting up important goals by Larkin and Copp.
- Dylan Larkin demonstrated his leadership with what proved to be the game-winning goal, giving Detroit momentum they never relinquished.
- Moritz Seider contributed offensively from the blue line with his goal, continuing to develop as a two-way defenseman.
Buffalo Sabres
- Noah Ostlund was Buffalo’s brightest spot with a goal and an assist, showing chemistry on the power play.
- Josh Doan also recorded a goal and an assist in a strong offensive showing despite the loss.
- Jack Quinn contributed with two assists on both Buffalo goals.
- Radim Mrtka, the Sabres’ ninth-overall pick, demonstrated his physical presence with a team-high five hits in 17:57 of ice time.
Goaltending Battle
Buffalo’s Alexandar Georgiev played the entire game as scheduled, stopping 35 of 40 shots in a busy night that saw Detroit generate consistent offensive pressure throughout the contest.
Special Teams Impact
Special teams played a crucial role in this matchup, with three of the seven goals coming on the power play (two for Buffalo, one for Detroit) and another short-handed (Detroit). Buffalo showed effectiveness with the man advantage but struggled to contain Detroit’s offensive firepower at even strength, where the Red Wings scored three unanswered goals to pull away.
Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine
