Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) celebrates a goal at the bench in the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Outwork Red Wings But Still Lose 3-2 At Home

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 8:59 AM ET

After losing to the Detroit Red Wings on the road, the Toronto Maple Leafs had the opportunity to earn payback at home on Monday. Could the Leafs rebound from being outshot and outscored 6-3? Stats provided by the NHL.

First Period – Maple Leafs Vs. Red Wings

The Maple Leafs outplayed the Red Wings’ skaters in the opening frame. If not for goaltender Cam Talbot’s 13 saves, the home fans would have had a much different feeling about this game. Detroit had just six shots in the period, but one of those from center Dylan Larkin hit the back of the net at 18:55, which was the lone goal going into the second period.

Second Period – Maple Leafs Vs. Red Wings

The next period only increased the unlikelihood of the results. The Maple Leafs registered another eleven shots on goal, but Talbot was up to the task. Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz was kept cold, with only four saves over these twenty minutes. It was largely the Red Wings trying to get out of their zone, while the men in blue hammered shots on goal. Nonetheless, the score remained 1-0 after two periods.

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) makes a save on Detroit Red Wings center Michael Rasmussen (27) in the second period at Scotiabank Arena.Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

Third Period – Maple Leafs Vs. Red Wings

The game started to open up in the third period. They may have only registered five more shots on goal, but the Red Wings scored first in the period. Forward James van Riemsdyk made it 2-0 at 4:25. The Maple Leafs finally cracked Talbot when left winger Matthew Knies was credited with a tip off of a shot from center Bobby McMann at 7:29. Knies also registered an assist at 13:42, setting up center Calle Jarkrok for the wrister. Just as it seemed outworking their opponents may pay off, Detroit center Mason Appleton buried the game-winner with just 45 seconds left in the game.

Detroit Red Wings center Mason Appleton (22) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the bench in the third period at Scotiabank Arena.Gerry Angus-Imagn Images

End Of My Maple Leafs Vs. Red Wings Rant

The Red Wings improved to 2-1 at this early point in the season, and will return to Detroit for a three-game homestand. They will take on the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Edmonton Oilers over that span. The Maple Leafs fall to 1-2, and also have the next three games at home. They will try to rebound against the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers, and Seattle Kraken.

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This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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