Buffalo was red-hot in mid-December, winning its last four games, including a 3-2 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 19. But the Sabres are coming off a rare 10-day layoff after having their last two games postponed due to inclement weather.
Forward Tage Thompson leads Buffalo in scoring with 50 points on 26 goals and 24 assists in 32 games. The Sabres boast a balanced attack, with four 30-point scorers in defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (37), and forwards Jeff Skinner (36), Alex Tuch (35) and Dylan Couzens (31).
Three Sabres goalies have split duties between the pipes this season, with 20-year NHL veteran Craig Anderson leading the way with a 7-4-1 record, a 2.65 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage in 13 games. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has platooned with Anderson recently, winning four of his last five starts.
The Red Wings will face the Sabres once more after Thursday's matchup, hosting Buffalo in the third-to-last home game of the season on April 6.