The Toronto Maple Leafs will face off against the Detroit Red Wings tonight at 7:00 PM at Little Caesars Arena. Fans can catch the action on SNO and FDSNDET.
In their most recent outing, the Leafs played at home on December 27, defeating the Ottawa Senators with a high-scoring 7-5 victory. With this win, Toronto’s record stands at 17-15-5, giving them a Points Percentage of .527.
On the other hand, the Red Wings, who have been a surprising presence at the top of the Atlantic Division, faced the Carolina Hurricanes on December 27 but were unable to secure a win, losing the match 5-2. Their current record is 22-14-3, which translates to a Points Percentage of .603. The Red Wings lead the Atlantic Division despite having a negative goal differential and allowing the second most goals in the Eastern Conference, with only the Boston Bruins faring worse in that category.
The Red Wings’ scoring has not been as prolific as their position might indicate. They rank eighth in goal rate, showing efficiency in their power play despite generally being below expected in scoring. Their goaltending, however, has been a concern, with their team save percentage being below average, ranking 24th in the NHL. This combined with mediocrity in various metrics suggests that their current standing may not be sustainable.
Detroit’s lineup features a strong group, including Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the first line, while newly acquired players aims to enhance their power play efficiency. Cam Talbot is expected to start in goal.
Meanwhile, the Leafs are riding a four-game streak in which they’ve exceeded 50% in expected goals at five-on-five. Their roster adjustments continue, with Henry Thrun being assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. While no updates have been announced regarding William Nylander or potential lineup changes, the Leafs are looking to maintain their momentum against a challenging opponent.
Tonight’s match is expected to be an intriguing battle, showcasing teams with contrasting performances. The Red Wings continue to fight for position in a tightly contested division, while the Leafs seek to capitalize on their recent success and make a strong statement on the road.