The Detroit Red Wings secured a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena, led by Jeff Petry’s first goal of the season. Michael Rasmussen, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond also scored for the Red Wings, with Ville Husso making 23 saves. This win snapped a tough stretch for Detroit (12-14-4), which had lost six of its last seven games. Coach Derek Lalonde emphasized the importance of the win, especially against a strong Toronto team that played well despite the loss.
The Maple Leafs (18-10-2) got two assists from Mitch Marner and a goal from Auston Matthews, marking his 50th of the 2024 season, an impressive feat for the fourth straight calendar year. Matthews’ power-play goal in the second period tied the game at 1-1, showcasing his elite finishing skills off a well-placed pass from Marner. Despite their offensive efforts, the Maple Leafs were stifled by Detroit’s shot-blocking and transition plays. Toronto’s goaltender Joseph Woll made 22 saves and lamented the one-goal margin, noting he wished he could have done more in key moments.
Detroit built momentum with contributions from its defensemen, as Rasmussen scored early, and Seider’s late second-period goal gave them a 2-1 lead after a crucial turnover by Matthews. The third period saw Matthew Knies briefly equalize for Toronto before Petry’s decisive rebound goal put the Red Wings back on top. Detroit’s quick response to Toronto’s goals was a significant factor, with Petry describing the effect as deflating for the opposition and energizing for his team.
Ville Husso delivered a clutch performance, including a crucial breakaway save against Marner in the third period. Lucas Raymond sealed the game with an empty-netter in the final seconds, capping off the 4-2 win. The Red Wings’ defensive tenacity and opportunistic scoring proved too much for Toronto, even as the Maple Leafs generated plenty of offensive chances. The intense atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena underscored the competitive nature of the matchup.
The Maple Leafs face a tight turnaround with a back-to-back game against the Buffalo Sabres, requiring quick recovery after their hard-fought battle in Detroit. Knies reflected on the challenges of the schedule, emphasizing the need for immediate recovery to prepare for the next game. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but Detroit’s ability to capitalize on key moments ultimately earned them a much-needed win.
