The Toronto Maple Leafs' persistent struggles away from home continue to weigh them down in the NHL's Atlantic Division standings. Despite a valiant effort and a crucial point earned, the Leafs fell 3-2 in overtime to the division-leading Detroit Red Wings on Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Road Record Remains a Major Anchor
The overtime loss leaves the Maple Leafs with a dismal record of just five victories in 16 road games this season, the fewest in the league. This ongoing issue is a significant barrier to climbing out of the middle of the highly competitive Atlantic Division, which has seen a dramatic shift from last season when Toronto finished on top.
Goaltender Dennis Hildeby was a standout for Toronto, making 33 saves in a strong performance after a week off. The game was the second half of a back-to-back for the Leafs, who had defeated the Ottawa Senators at home on Saturday.
Knies and Robertson Provide Offense
With William Nylander sidelined day-to-day with a lower-body injury, Matthew Knies moved to the first power-play unit and opened the scoring. At 4:25 of the second period, John Tavares won a battle behind the net, Auston Matthews drew defenders, and found Knies across the crease for the goal.
This marked Knies' second consecutive game with a power-play goal, making him the first Leaf to achieve that this season. Later, Nick Robertson fired a rocket one-timer, set up by Tavares, to give Toronto a temporary lead.
Late Goals and Overtime Heartbreak
The Leafs' strong second period was marred in the final minute. After a lengthy defensive-zone sequence where Max Domi couldn't clear, Jake McCabe was exhausted, and Matthews was hobbled after blocking a shot, Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider finally beat Hildeby to tie the game 1-1.
Detroit's Mason Appleton responded to Robertson's goal less than 30 seconds later, wiring a shot to make it 2-2. The game proceeded to overtime, where a chaotic sequence led to the winner. Hildeby attempted to poke a rebound to a wide-open Matthews—who had just hit the post—but didn't connect cleanly, allowing Detroit's Simon Edvinsson to score the decisive goal.
The single point nudged the Maple Leafs' season total to 40, a benchmark generally considered the minimum for staying in the playoff conversation. The team now looks to close the calendar year on Tuesday when they host the New Jersey Devils.
