Despite getting captain Dylan Larkin back from injury on Tuesday, the Red Wings lost in regulation to Ottawa, and a 4-5-2 March has them outside the playoff structure. They’d been in playoff position since Dec. 8. Their offense has struggled with just 2.64 goals per game this month, and the power play has converted on just five of 35 opportunities (14.3%).
The Red Wings’ big deadline pickup was defenseman Justin Faulk from St. Louis. He’s minus-two with a goal and an assist in eight games since the trade.
Buffalo is 2-0-0 against Detroit this season, including an epic three-goal comeback in November for its first road win. Colten Ellis had the net for both wins, and each of Ryan McLeod, Jack Quinn and Josh Doan totaled three points.
John Gibson has played both matchups for the Red Wings, allowing nine goals on 58 shots (.845 save percentage).
“I think we’re both really different teams from that point in the year, and they’re gonna be fighting for their lives,” Tuch said.
