The Detroit Red Wings are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs in an exciting matchup at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. ET. With a current record of 22-14-3, the Red Wings are leading the Atlantic Division, while the Maple Leafs, sporting a 17-15-5 record, find themselves in ninth place in the Eastern Conference’s wildcard race.
In recent games, Andrew Copp has emerged as a standout for Detroit, collecting 10 points over his last 10 games. Conversely, Marco Kasper has struggled, going scoreless in his last 27 appearances aside from two assists. The status of Patrick Kane remains uncertain as he has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury since December 13, significantly longer than the team anticipated.
Historically, Detroit has had the upper hand against Toronto this season, winning both matchups in a home-and-home series earlier in the schedule. The Red Wings last managed to win three consecutive games against the Maple Leafs in the same season during the 1995-96 campaign. Following a 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in their previous game, Detroit’s record in back-to-back contests stands at 2-5, but the team has showcased strong resilience, going 15-0-2 when scoring four or more goals this season.
For the Red Wings, the projected lines feature key players such as Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, alongside Copp and Alex DeBrincat. Their defense includes notable pairings featuring Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, while Cam Talbot is expected to start in goal.
On the other side, the Maple Leafs experienced a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, with Auston Matthews breaking a four-game pointless streak with a goal and two assists. Although they have won their last two matches and posted a 4-4-2 record in their last ten games, the Maple Leafs have struggled with their power play, currently ranked 30th in the league at 14.7%. William Nylander remains a game-time decision due to an undisclosed issue.
As both teams prepare to vie for crucial points, the anticipated matchup promises a showcase of talent and competitive spirit. With the Red Wings aiming to uphold their division lead and the Maple Leafs fighting for playoff positioning, fans can expect an engaging and action-packed encounter in Detroit.