What Stood Out Most in the Maple Leafs' Preseason Clash With the Red Wings

Auston Matthews opened the scoring in the first period for Toronto with a power play goal from the dot two minutes into the game, with assists from Matthew Knies and John Tavares.

Detroit managed to bring themselves back into the contest with a shot from Captain Dylan Larkin, with assists from Ben Chiarot and rookie Emmitt Finnie, the latter being a surprise contender for a spot on the Red Wings following a strong preseason.

Alex DeBrincat gave Detroit the lead at 12:28 in the third period off an assist from 2024 first rounder Michael Brandsegg-Nygard who got the puck out from a mad scramble on the right side of the net to find Debrincat open on the opposite end.

Finnie added a goal with 1:23 left in the third off a turnover from Jake McCabe to seal the victory for Detroit, showcasing the potential for the 20-year-old seventh rounder to make his surprise case for the roster.

Anthony Stolarz made 40 out of 43 saves in the match filled with missed chances for the Red Wings, but eventual success, with on Detroit's end Cam Talbot faced a quieter night with 17 saves made and one goal allowed on 20 shots.

Toronto will follow Detroit back home for their final preseason game before the regular season on Saturday, the team's last look before starting the season, and having the roster finalized.

A big game for Anthony Stolarz has shown that he's ready to take on the starter role properly for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With 43 shots on goal, Stolarz did well keeping composed in net despite the defense struggling in what was a major test for the 31-year-old to deliver for the Leafs and prove himself alongside the main team.

With Joseph Woll out indefinitely and the other options being a rookie in Dennis Hildeby and a tryout option in James Reimer, Stolarz may be having a heavier workload than what would have been expected, and much more depended upon than he's ever been.

A solid performance for Stolarz has shown what was already clear that he was going to be Toronto's starter, but he has proven to the Leafs staff that he's ready to be more this season than has been ever before.

Auston Matthews has shown the indication that was hoped of him for this season after a first goal that looked to be «vintage» Matthews, the kind of Matthews Toronto will want to see.

Injuries kept Matthews from being at his best last season with a career-low 33 goals, something that the Leafs captain doesn't want to replicate, and at full health shouldn't.

With a solid game overall, Matthews got the offense scoring in a game devoid of it. More production will be needed from the rest of the team, avoiding duplicating the challenge last for the Leafs where they were reliant on their top-unit.

More is expected of the 28-year-old from what was a disappointing season by only his standards, and even if he doesn't return to his career highs of 69 goals and 107 points only two seasons ago, getting close to that mark will be essential for the Leafs this season in building their offense.

Without Mitch Marner by his side, Auston Matthews will be relied upon for a lot more, and will be expected to be back to his old self, while at the same time doing it more by himself.