Dylan Larkin leads Red Wings to comeback OT victory over Maple Leafs in preseason finale

Toronto jumped out to a 2-1 lead entering the first intermission, highlighted by a shorthanded goal from Nick Robertson. Robertson is fighting for his place in the opening night lineup and was buzzing throughout the early stages of the game. The 24-year-old broke free for a shorthanded marker with two minutes and 15 seconds left in the first period. After Scott Laughton suffered a lower-body injury during Thursday’s game against the Red Wings, there is a vacancy in the opening day lineup, and it may force Craig Berube to reshuffle his combinations, where Robertson’s scoring punch could be his ticket onto the roster.

Easton Cowan also received extending playing time, recording 18:32 during Saturday’s loss, and was held off the scoresheet. The 20-year-old has impressed his teammates throughout training camp and has displayed better processing speed and physicality throughout the preseason slate. Prior to Laughton’s injury, it was widely thought that Cowan clinched his spot for opening night on the fourth line, with Steven Lorentz on the left wing. It may come down to Cowan and Robertson for the final forward spot on Wednesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I think he is. We have decisions to make,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said, when asked if Cowan is ready to play in the NHL, via David Alter of The Hockey News.

Logan Shaw, Michael Pezzetta and Alex Nylander also scored for the Maple Leafs, while Dennis Hildeby made 12 saves on 14 shots, before turning the crease over to James Reimer, who made 23 stops on 27 shots.