The Detroit Red Wings didn't play nearly well enough against the Buffalo Sabres in the first leg of their first multi-game trip.

Jack Quinn had a goal and two assists, Colten Ellis stopped 27 shots in his NHL debut and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-2

The Red Wings tote a 5-game win streak into this contest. In its most recent game Sunday, +121 Detroit topped the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 (push 6.0). That game was at home; the Wings' trip to Buffalo marks the club's second road game of the season.

Jack Quinn also had a night to remember with two assists and a power-play goal, while Tyson Kozak earned praise from a basketball great.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Alex Lyon padded over to the visitors locker room inside KeyBank Center, casually clad in a sweatshirt, jeans and Birkenstocks. He had a little extra time to chat, as he was designated to back up in the evening after six straight starts.

The Red Wings remain the hottest team in the NHL in the early going, using home ice to their massive advantage. Five of the team’s first games of the 2025-26 season were at Little Caesars Arena, with Detroit only dropping its season opener to the Montreal Canadiens.

The Detroit Red Wings (5-1, second in the Eastern Conference) visit the Buffalo Sabres (2-4, 15th) in conference play on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Buffalo fell in a 4-2 loss on the road its last time out on Oct. 20 against the Montreal Canadiens. In its last game on Oct. 19, Detroit secured a 4-2 home victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Zucker was ruled out with an injury after not being on the bench to begin the third period.