Michal Neuvirth, Johan Franzen

Buffalo Sabres goalie Michal Neuvirth (34) traps Detroit Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen (93) in the net during play in the second period during an NHL hockey game in Detroit, Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

(Paul Sancya)

DETROIT -- Johan Franzen didn't mince words about feelings in the dressing room following the second period Tuesday against Buffalo.

Detroit had outshot the Sabres 26-10 yet found itself trailing 3-2 at the intermission.

"We had some bad turnovers and it seemed like they scored on all of them," Franzen said. "We played OK, but it's not fun being down 3-1. But I think everyone after two periods, everyone got a little pissed off and it showed out there."

The Red Wings (18-8-9) erupted for four third-period goals to beat Buffalo 6-3, as Henrik Zetterberg scored 4:19 into the period and Tomas Tatar netted the eventual game-winner on a power play at 11:40.

Detroit would capitalize on three Buffalo penalties to put the game away and end the lingering six-game winless streak.

"We came back to the locker room, and I don't know what the shots were, maybe double, and I don't know how many we lost in a row not getting two points," Detroit's Danny DeKeyser said. "We wanted to come out in the third and try to work to get both points. We felt the momentum change in the second there."

Head coach Mike Babcock credited his team with its play in the second period, calling DeKeyser's goal with 2:06 remaining in the second the turning point as it cut Buffalo's lead to 3-2.

"The guys stuck with it, got the job done and it feels good," Babcock said. "Sometimes when you get beat 7-0 you get pissed off because of the way you played. We've been playing well but finding a way to lose each night."

Tatar scored twice to tie Gus Nyquist with a team-high 14 goals, and Franzen, celebrating his 35th birthday Tuesday, scored on a power play at 14:06 in the third to snap his 14-game scoreless streak.

His last goal came Nov. 20 against Winnipeg.

"It's been a long time coming, so it was finally good to get one," Franzen said. "We had tons of opportunities, but by the end the pucks went in for us."

Looking back on the winless skid, Franzen said: "We had chances, we've been creating chances. It's just the way things go sometimes."

Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres 12-23-14 21 Gallery: Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres 12-23-14

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Aaron McMann covers sports for The Flint Journal. Contact him: amcmann@mlive.com; follow him on Twitter @AaronMcMann.