The Maple Leafs would usually be giving thanks for a chance to carve the Red Wings twice in three days — but not when Toronto is struggling out of the gate and Detroit is an improved team.
A 3-2 Wings’ win on this holiday Monday afternoon, despite a massive margin in the home team’s shots and chances, completed a rare home-and-home Wings’ sweep as the Leafs dropped to a record of 1-2.
Detroit is trying to end a nine-year playoff drought, but Toronto gets another home game right away Tuesday night against Nashville.
Mason Appleton score on a last-minute rebound on Anthony Stolarz despite 40 Toronto shots on Cam Talbot.
Toronto had finally put consistent pressure on the visitors at Scotiabank Arena, getting on the board during a line mash-up by impatient head coach Craig Berube. Bobby McMann slipped down the right boards and found Matthew Knies for his first of the month. Then fourth-liner Calle Jarnkrok, with an unexpected three goals in as many games, worked loose in the slot to tie it.
In a first period rife with 15 combined giveaways, Detroit led 1-0 after Dylan Larkin fished the puck from a crease scrum as the first of consecutive Leaf minors ended.
Toronto’s lack of sustained pressure is partially responsible for just five power plays through three games, with Monday’s lone chance an abbreviated 85 seconds between Simon Benoit and a bench minor. Talbot, who survived a 2-0 deficit on Saturday before his team rallied, made 24 stops through two periods.
Ex-Leaf James van Riemsdyk had the second Detroit goal.
This was the NHL debut of Leafs forward Easton Cowan, the first-round pick from 2023, given a chance for immediate impact on the first line with Auston Matthews and Knies. He fared better than Matias Maccelli has on the duo’s right side so far, with some hits, which is one of the determining factors that will keep him in the lineup, and his creative tendencies.
X: @sunhornby
RECOMMENDED VIDEO