Sabres Disastrous Defensively In Loss To Detroit

Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen allowed more than five goals for the 11th time this season in a 7-3 loss to Detroit on Wednesday.

The Buffalo Sabres 7-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings was another in a long line of poor defensive performances this season. The Sabres allowed four third-period goals and three power-play markers, with Buffalo native Patrick Kane posting a five-point (2 goals, 3 assists) night. The loss was the 21st instance where they allowed five or more goals and the club is on pace to allow 291 goals this season.

"Some of the (defensive) zone turnovers, it's hard to recover from a couple of the plays we made." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game. "We got a little bit out of position on the one goal. (Detroit is a) good power play."

Pat Kane, 5-3 PPG #Sabrehood #LGRW pic.twitter.com/9K80bgNLoF
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 13, 2025

The Sabres, with 18 games remaining, are a lock to miss the playoffs for the 14th straight year, and in their first season under Ruff, their young players have regressed instead of showing any signs of improvement.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen cannot be faulted for the club’s defensive downturn, but it is also apparent that he has not put forth the same level of performance as last season. In 48 starts this season, he has allowed 146 goals and has a sub .900 save percentage. Last season, in 54 games, he allowed 132 goals and posted a .910 save percentage.

Everyone upset and wrestlin' #Sabrehood #LGRW pic.twitter.com/cgxnYfQcAc
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 13, 2025

With just over a month left on the schedule, all aspects of the Sabres organization have to be under intense scrutiny. The future of GM Kevyn Adams is tenuous, and with most clubs, his record would lead to a dismissal, but there are questions about whether owner Terry Pegula is ready to fire him. Ruff has a year remaining on a two-year contract, but the poor showing of the club has to call into question whether he should be back, and about the makeup of the roster and how the club can improve.

The Sabres will take on Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday afternoon.

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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