Sabres Preseason Report: Sept. 25, 2025

Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus, Getty Images

Buffalo Sabres vs. Detroit Red Wings

Final: 5 (DET) - 2 (BUF)

The Buffalo Sabres dropped their first preseason game on Thursday night, falling 5–2 to the Detroit Red Wings on the road.

Mason Appleton opened the scoring in the first period with a shorthanded goal. Moments later, Noah Östlund (1) tied the game with a one-timer from the slot on the same power-play opportunity. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård restored the lead for Detroit before the first intermission, sending the Red Wings to the locker room up by one.

In the second period, offseason acquisition Josh Doan (1) buried his first goal in blue and gold, tucking the puck into the empty net to tie the game at two. Jack Quinn and Östlund picked up the assists, giving them both two points on the night. 

However, that would be all the offense Buffalo could generate, as Detroit pulled away with three unanswered goals from Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and Andrew Copp.

Despite the loss, Alexandar Georgiev was sharp in net, turning aside 35 shots. The final shot totals were 40–18 in favour of Detroit.

Three Stars: 

#1. Andrew Copp (DET)

#2. Josh Doan (BUF)

#3. Lucas Raymond (DET)

Sabres Roster

Forwards: Justin Danforth, Josh Doan, Josh Dunne, Riley Fiddler-Schultz, Konsta Helenius, Peyton Krebs, Jiri Kulich, Beck Malenstyn, Noah Ostlund, Jack Quinn, Isak Rosen, Anton Wahlberg

Defenseman: Ryan Johnson, Zac Jones, Michael Kesselring, Zach Metsa, Radim Mrtka, Owen Power, Jack Rathbone

Goaltenders: Alexandar Georgiev, Devon Levi

The Sabres return home on Saturday, September 27, for a rematch against the Red Wings. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.