Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres 12/5/2023

Detroit Red Wings (13-7-3) vs. Buffalo Sabres (10-13-2)

The Detroit Red Wings face off against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night in a clash of Atlantic Division foes. Detroit comes into this matchup riding a hot streak, winning five of their last six games. Meanwhile, Buffalo has struggled lately, losing four of their last five contests. This important divisional battle features two teams trending in opposite directions. NHL free picks today see value backing the road favorite Red Wings.

Detroit’s offense has caught fire during its recent hot stretch. The Red Wings have scored at least three goals in eight straight games. Right winger Alex DeBrincat leads the attack with 13 goals, while center Dylan Larkin paces the squad with 22 points. This dynamic one-two punch helped Detroit light the lamp 3.7 times per game over its last 10 outings. They take on a Buffalo defense that’s allowing the eighth-most goals per contest at 3.4. If DeBrincat, Larkin and company keep filling the net at their current clip, it could spell trouble for the Sabres.

While Detroit’s offense is rolling, Buffalo has struggled to mount any consistent attack this year. The Sabres sit 28th in goals per game at 2.6. Young center Casey Mittelstadt’s 21 points lead the team, but no one else is producing at a reliable clip. And Buffalo’s paltry offense must deal with red-hot Detroit goalie Ville Husso. Over his last five starts, Husso has allowed just six total goals while posting an impressive .934 save percentage. Considering the Sabres’ scoring woes, Husso should shut down Buffalo for the most part.

Detroit Red Wings vs Buffalo Sabres Game Info

When:	Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET
Where:	KeyBank Center
TV:	ESP+
Stream:	NHL.TV

Goaltender Ville Husso vs. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Ville Husso has been playing lights-out hockey recently. Over his last six appearances, he owns a 5-1 record along with a stellar .934 save percentage and 2.3 GAA. He’s given up two or fewer goals in four of those outings. Husso is currently in the best form of his career and showing the Detroit front office why they acquired him this past offseason. He has seized the starting job and run with it thanks to rock-solid play over the past month. Husso moves very well laterally and boasts the reflexes to make stunning reactionary stops. He’s playing with a calm confidence right now, as evidenced by his .891 save percentage on high-danger chances at 5-on-5 over his last three starts. Considering his recent elite performance, Husso has a clear edge in this goaltending matchup.

While Husso is entering this game red-hot, Buffalo’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen still seeks consistency in his young career. Luukkonen flashes potential at times with his athletic 6-foot-5 frame allowing him to make highlight-reel saves. However, he also remains unpolished with holes in his technique. As evidence of his rocky play, Luukkonen has posted save percentages of .881 or worse in three of his last five outings. On the season as a whole, he owns a mediocre .907 mark. Luukkonen clearly doesn’t inspire much confidence right now. Against a Detroit squad filled with dynamic scorers, Luukkonen seems unlikely to suddenly right the ship. The Red Wings should be able to exploit the young goalie’s weaknesses and hang crooked numbers on him tonight.

NHL Odds/Point Spread: Detroit Red Wings -126, Total Odds: 6.5

The betting odds are slightly in favor of the Detroit Red Wings, with a moneyline of -126. The total over/under is set at 6.5, indicating expectations of a high-scoring game. Bettors might find value in exploring options around these odds, considering the offensive capabilities of both teams.

Detroit Red Wing Betting Trends

Detroit is an impressive 25-10 straight up over its last 35 contests when playing on two day’s rest…The under is 39-18-1 in the Red Wings previous 58 Tuesday games…Detroit is just 3-7 against the spread in its last 10 clashes with a Metropolitan Division opponent.

Buffalo Sabres Betting Trends

The under cashed in seven of Buffalo’s previous eight home matchups…The Sabres are 2-8 straight up across their last 10 battles versus a team with a winning record…Buffalo is 5-1 straight up in its previous six contests against Atlantic Division foes.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres 12/5/23 Betting Picks

Considering the analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be closely contested. Detroit’s stronger overall form and offensive threat give them a slight edge, but Buffalo’s historical advantage and home game trend cannot be overlooked.

In terms of picks, while the Red Wings are favorites, the Sabres could upset considering their record against Detroit. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially those of key scorers like DeBrincat and Peterka, could be interesting. For the over/under, the trend suggests a potential high-scoring game, but Buffalo’s home game trends indicate otherwise.

Finally, for those seeking top online betting opportunities, this game presents several intriguing options. The close nature of the matchup and the contrasting trends make for a challenging but potentially rewarding betting landscape.