Red Wings Defeated Sabres in Overtime Preseason Win
The Detroit Red Wings secured a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hockey
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Alex DeBrincat scored the winning power-play goal just 33 seconds into overtime to give the Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 preseason victory. The game saw several lead changes and a physical late-game altercation between players.
Why it matters
Preseason contests allow teams to evaluate new roster combinations and player chemistry ahead of the regular season. These games are vital for testing defensive pairings and special teams performance in a competitive environment.
Alex DeBrincat ended the game 33 seconds into overtime, while Buffalo goaltender Daniil Tarasov recorded 17 saves on 19 total shots faced. The victory follows a period where players like Anton Johansson have contributed five assists across two appearances.
The players
Alex DeBrincat
He is a veteran forward for the Detroit Red Wings known for his goal-scoring ability on the power play.
Moritz Seider
He is a top-pairing defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings and a former winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Alex Lyon
He is a professional goaltender who has played for multiple NHL franchises throughout his career.
Daniil Tarasov
He is a goaltender who has been a part of the Buffalo Sabres organization and system.
The details
Axel Sandin-Pellikka recorded a power-play goal in the first period, while Buffalo's Trevor Kuntar, Jiri Kulich, and Sheldon Dries also notched goals throughout the match. Goaltender Alex Lyon was forced to exit the game with an injury during the opening period and was replaced by Colten Ellis, as a late-game physical skirmish broke out involving Moritz Seider, Gavin McCarthy, and Alex DeBrincat.
Timeline
The preseason game took place on September 24, 2026.
The Red Wings are scheduled to play the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The game follows a pattern set by the NHL preseason evaluation period, serving as a critical platform for management to finalize roster spots. Performance in these matchups directly influences depth chart decisions and final cut configurations before the regular season begins.
The injury to Alex Lyon impacts the goalie rotation for the remainder of the preseason schedule. Fans should monitor roster updates to see if Colten Ellis earns additional ice time during the upcoming game against Columbus.
The takeaway
Preseason games serve as a critical proving ground for depth players attempting to secure a permanent spot on the roster. Consistent performance in these early matchups is often the deciding factor for coaching staffs when determining final line combinations.
What happens next
The Red Wings will continue their preseason schedule with a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 27, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the team's progress, visit Hockey.
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