The Sabres started off the game slow as has been the trend this season. Detroit jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the shots about halfway through the period. After a poor power play, the Sabres started to turn it up.
They had a few chances including a wide-open look from Justin Bailey that missed the net and Kyle Okposo being set up with a layup from Jack Eichel that he fumbled. Buffalo rallied to end the period with a 12-10 lead in shot, but it was scoreless after 20 minutes.