The two teams traded goals early. The Red Wings struck first with a goal 27 seconds in when Helm tallied. Then Buffalo got right one right back when Sheary scored at the 1:03 mark.
Then 1:32 into the second period, Sheary had a chance to give Buffalo the lead, but missed on a penalty shot opportunity. The Red Wings capitalized on another shot by Helm 7:02 into the middle frame to make it 2-1.
Johansson roofed a shot over Bernier's glove while on the rush with Rasmus Dahlin to tie it up with 5:01 to play in the second.
Reinhart gave Buffalo its first lead of the game 57 seconds into the third when he crashed the net and forced a Jack Eichel rebound in over the line for his 21st goal of the season.
The Sabres went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and also held off a Red Wings attack with the extra attacker in the final minute.