The Detroit Red Wings’ five-game winning streak came to a screeching halt Wednesday night as the Buffalo Sabres, powered by a rookie goaltender and a breakout performance from Jack Quinn, clinched a 4-2 victory in front of a raucous home crowd.
A Night of Firsts and Frustrations
Buffalo’s
Colten Ellis, claimed off waivers from St. Louis earlier this month, made his NHL debut one to remember. The 24-year-old netminder stopped 27 shots, including two critical breakaways, and held firm during a late-game barrage after Detroit pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Ellis’ poise under pressure drew praise from teammates and left the Red Wings searching for answers.
On the offensive end,
Jack Quinn delivered a statement game, notching a goal and two assists. His power-play tally early in the third period proved to be the game-winner, capping a night where he seemed to be everywhere on the ice.
Red Wings’ Streak Snapped
Detroit entered the contest riding high, having won five straight and boasting one of the league’s hottest offenses. But the Sabres’ aggressive forecheck and Ellis’ heroics kept the Red Wings off the board in the first period and stymied their comeback attempts late.
J.T. Compher and Emmitt Finnie provided the goals for Detroit, with Compher later summing up the team’s frustration in a single sentence:
“We just didn’t execute when it mattered most.” Dylan Larkin’s assist extended his season-opening points streak to seven games, making him the first Detroit defenseman to do so since Brian Rafalski in 2008-09.
Key Moments and Turning Points
-
Jason Zucker and
Josh Doan also found the net for Buffalo, though Zucker left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury, casting a shadow over the Sabres’ win.
- Detroit’s John Gibson made 27 saves but couldn’t bail out his team during Buffalo’s third-period surge.
- The Red Wings’ late push, with Gibson pulled for an extra skater, was met by a wall of blue and gold as Ellis turned aside every chance.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Buffalo, the win marks their third in four games and injects new hope into a season that started with uncertainty in net. Ellis’ debut could signal a changing of the guard between the pipes, especially if he continues to deliver under pressure.
Detroit, meanwhile, faces a reality check after a red-hot start. The loss exposed some cracks in their transition defense and power play, areas coach Derek Lalonde will likely address before their next outing.
Looking Ahead
Both teams have little time to dwell on the result. The Sabres will look to build on their momentum, while the Red Wings aim to regroup and reignite their offense. With the Atlantic Division shaping up to be a dogfight, every point—and every breakout performance—matters.
Takeaway: The Sabres’ win wasn’t just about ending a streak; it was a coming-out party for Colten Ellis and a reminder that in the NHL, any night can belong to the underdog.
Sources
1. Sabres 4-2 Red Wings (Oct 22, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN
2. RotoWire Fantasy Football, Baseball, Basketball and More
3. "Intensity Went Up": Red Wings Appreciate Fast-Paced Practice After Historic Comeback Win
4. Red Wings can’t solve Buffalo’s debuting goalie
5. It took one sentence for J.T. Compher to sum up what went wrong for the Red Wings
6. Quinn gets 3 points, Sabres end Red Wings’ 5-game winning streak
7. NHL Highlights | Red Wings vs. Sabres | October 22, 2025 - YouTube
8. Buffalo Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff After Win Over Detroit Red Wings
9. NHL Highlights | Red Wings vs. Sabres - October 22, 2025 - YouTube
