The Red Wings have lost nine straight games, beginning with their 5-1 loss to the Sabres on Jan. 12. They have scored more than two goals just once in that stretch and have been shut out in two straight contests.
They hold league-worst averages in both goals scored (2.04) and goals against (3.81). Their power play ranks 30th (14.5 percent) and their penalty kill ranks last (73.2 percent).
All of that being said, Krueger stressed the need for the Sabres to not overlook their opponent as they aim to rebound from their 6-1 loss to the Avalanche.
"First of all, we have a lot of respect for the potential of [Detroit]," he said. "They've had a tough run of late but what we do see is there is a danger in their game, in their ability to take advantage of teams if you give them that space. So, you need to play a really good defensive game.
"But we need to get back to our game above all. It's important to understand you have to respect every team you play in this league. It doesn't matter where you are, at home or away, it doesn't matter where that team is in the standings. On a given night, every team can play to a certain level to earn themselves a win and we have to focus on ourselves."
Detroit has been bit hard by the injury bug, with forwards Anthony Mantha, Frans Nielsen, and Filip Zadina and defensemen Danny DeKeyser and Mike Green all out. Andreas Athanasiou, who scored 30 goals last season, returned from a 13-game absence on Monday.
The bright spot has been the play of goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who ranks third in goals-against average (1.98) and save percentage (.939) since Dec. 12 (minimum 7 starts).
