Detroit is an easy fade as home chalk. The Red Wings have lost 12 of their 19 home games and have multiple injuries.

The Red Wings are coming off holiday break with a victory, a 4-3 shootout road win against Florida. The Sabres haven't won in their last four games. They are putting a lot of emphasis on winning this game.

The Sabres are the better defensive team and have an edge in goal. The Red Wings' best goalie, Jimmy Howard, is hurt. So Detroit's choice in net is either third-stringer Jared Coreau or a cold Petr Mrazek, who has given up three or more goals in his last five games and has a save percentage below 90 percent.

One of Detroit's injuries is to offensive-minded defenseman Mike Green. It's an added bonus for Buffalo if Green can't skate. The Red Wings have failed to score in 36 of their last 37 power play opportunities during their last 11 games.