Red Wings Break Losing Streak with Thrilling 6-5 Shootout Victory Over Sabres
The Detroit Red Wings ended their five-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, defeating the Buffalo Sabres 6-5 in a shootout on Monday night. The action-packed game saw Andrew Copp shine with two goals, including a crucial score that sparked a late-game rally. Detroit’s captain Dylan Larkin sealed the win with the decisive shootout goal, while rookie goalie Sebastian Cossa earned a memorable victory in his NHL debut.
Red Wings Rally for Comeback Win
Trailing 5-3 in the third period, the Red Wings showcased resilience and determination. Andrew Copp ignited the comeback with his second goal of the night at 10:27, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 5-4. Defenseman Moritz Seider followed with a game-tying goal just over five minutes later.
The Red Wings’ persistence paid off in the shootout, where Dylan Larkin’s slick goal proved to be the game-winner, snapping Detroit’s five-game losing skid.
Heroic Debut for Sebastian Cossa
Sebastian Cossa stepped into the spotlight in his NHL debut, replacing starting goalie Ville Husso at the beginning of the second period. The 21-year-old made 12 saves, showing poise under pressure and earning his first career win.
“It’s a dream come true,” Cossa said post-game. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of teammates to help make this night unforgettable.”
Contributions Across the Board
The Red Wings’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond each finding the back of the net. Raymond also added a crucial assist on Seider’s equalizer, marking his 122nd career assist. This milestone ties him with Gabriel Landeskog for fourth-most assists by a Swedish player before turning 23.
Sabres’ Struggles Continue
On the other side of the ice, the Buffalo Sabres extended their winless streak to seven games (0-5-2). Despite standout performances from Jason Zucker, who tallied two goals and an assist, and Tage Thompson, who notched his 15th goal of the season, the Sabres couldn’t hold off Detroit’s late surge.
Zach Benson and Nicolas Aube-Kubel also contributed goals, while James Reimer made 26 saves in his first start since November 30.
Key Moments and Stats
Key Moment
Buffalo forward Ryan McLeod came inches away from securing the win in overtime with a breakaway attempt. However, his shot struck the post, giving Detroit another chance to claim victory.
Key Stat
Lucas Raymond’s assist on Seider’s game-tying goal places him among the elite Swedish players under 23, highlighting his significant impact for the Red Wings.
Takeaways from the Game
Red Wings:
- Detroit pulled off their first multi-goal third-period comeback of the season, a feat they accomplished three times last year.
- The win showcased the team’s depth, resilience, and leadership as they look to build momentum.
Sabres:
- Tage Thompson’s strong performance since returning from injury underscores his importance to Buffalo’s offense.
- The team’s inability to close out games remains a concern as their winless streak drags on.
What’s Next?
For the Sabres
Buffalo will conclude their five-game homestand on Wednesday, facing a tough matchup against the New York Rangers.
For the Red Wings
Detroit travels to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers on Thursday, looking to build on their thrilling win and climb back into playoff contention.
Final Thoughts
The Red Wings’ shootout victory over the Sabres was a testament to their determination and skill. With key players stepping up and a rookie goaltender shining in his debut, Detroit fans have plenty of reasons for optimism. Meanwhile, Buffalo must find a way to reverse their downward trend and capitalize on strong individual performances.
