Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 8th 2024
Preview and Prediction
The Toronto Maple Leafs are eager to display their revitalized power play on Friday evening as they welcome the Detroit Red Wings to their home ice.
In their previous game against the Boston Bruins, the Maple Leafs managed to score three goals while on the man advantage. This was a significant improvement for the team, as they had only scored four goals in 40 attempts with the man advantage so far this season. They also successfully killed off six Boston power plays, showcasing a strong performance on both ends of the ice.
Defenseman Morgan Rielly, who contributed a goal and two assists in the game, acknowledged the impact of special teams on their victory. However, he also emphasized the importance of not getting complacent and continuing to work on their game.
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Goaltender Anthony Stolarz also played a crucial role in the Maple Leafs' win, stopping 29 shots and earning his first shutout of the season. Prior to this game, Toronto had suffered two consecutive losses on the road, struggling to find consistency in their scoring. However, against the Bruins, they were able to put all facets of their game together and secure a dominant win.
Stolarz praised his team's performance, stating that it was their most complete game of the season so far. He also acknowledged the physicality of the Bruins and how the Maple Leafs were able to match their intensity and come out on top.
Unfortunately, star forward Auston Matthews was unable to contribute to the team's success as he missed the game due to an upper-body injury. His status for Friday's game against the Red Wings is uncertain, with coach Craig Berube stating that he is day-to-day.
The Maple Leafs have a strong record of 36-19-2 in games where Matthews is absent. However, they will still be hoping for his return as they face a tough opponent in the Red Wings, who are coming off a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Detroit's victory was driven by forward Dylan Larkin, who had a goal and an assist, and goaltender Cam Talbot, who made 28 saves. Larkin has been on a hot streak, with four goals and an assist in his last three games.
Coach Derek Lalonde praised Larkin and his line, which also includes Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, for their strong performance against the Blackhawks. Larkin himself acknowledged the team's solid defensive effort and their ability to suffocate their opponents with their aggressive play.
The Red Wings will be looking to continue their winning streak against the Maple Leafs, as they face off for the first of four meetings this season. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and gain momentum early in the season.
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Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Recap DEC 13TH 2014
Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 1: Richard Panik scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway late in the second period as host Toronto skated to its season-high fourth victory in a row.
James van Riemsdyk netted a power-play goal while defenseman Morgan Rielly and Nazem Kadri also tallied for the Maple Leafs, who improved to 8-1-1 in their last 10 games overall. Daniel Winnik notched two assists, blue-liner Korbinian Holzer set up a goal for his first point of the season and Jonathan Bernier finished with 27 saves.
Defenseman Niklas Kronwall scored a power-play goal for the Red Wings, who have dropped three in a row (0-1-2) following a three-game winning streak. Petr Mrazek turned aside 37 shots in suffering his first loss of the season (3-1-0).
Toronto outshot Detroit 20-5 in a dominating second period highlighted by Panik beating Mrazek between the pads with a backhand shot with 2:10 remaining to give the Maple Leafs a 2-1 lead. Rielly doubled the advantage 1:42 into the third, skating up the left wing and beating Mrazek, before Kadri sealed the win with an empty-net tally with 3:14 remaining.
With van Riemsdyk serving a holding penalty, Kronwall's blast from the point at 15:27 of the first period opened the scoring. Van Riemsdyk redeemed himself just 60 seconds later as he deflected Phil Kessel's shot from the left circle to forge a tie.
GAME NOTEBOOK: After dropping a 4-1 decision on Oct. 17, Toronto posted a 3-0-1 mark in its final four games against its Original Six rival this season. ... Kronwall's power-play goal was Detroit's first versus the Maple Leafs since March 26, 2011. ... Van Riemsdyk's tally with the man advantage snapped Toronto's 0-for-18 stretch versus the Red Wings. ... Maple Leafs C Leo Komarov missed his sixth consecutive contest due to a concussion.