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Red Wings vs Maple Leafs Betting Preview
The Detroit Red Wings look to carry momentum from their comeback win over Toronto as they visit the Maple Leafs for a Monday afternoon rematch at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is set for 2:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
Detroit (1-1-0) rebounded from a flat 5-1 opening loss to Montreal with a dominant 6-3 win against the Leafs on Saturday. After trailing 2-0 early, the Red Wings stormed back with six unanswered goals over the final two periods. Lucas Raymond led the surge with two goals, including his 100th career tally, while Patrick Kane added a goal and two assists.
Head coach Todd McLellan praised his team’s response, calling the effort “resilient” and “connected.” The challenge now is consistency — Detroit has allowed eight goals through its first two games and will need sharper starts against Toronto’s high-octane attack.
Toronto (1-1-0) opened its season with a 5-2 win over Montreal but fell apart in Saturday’s loss to Detroit after a strong first period. The Maple Leafs’ fourth line has been productive, with Calle Jarnkrok scoring in back-to-back games. However, head coach Craig Berube emphasized the need for more sustained defensive effort after giving up four second-period goals.
Line Movement and Odds
Toronto opened as -188 moneyline favorites, while Detroit sits at +158. The total is set at 6.0 goals.
The Leafs are favored for good reason — they’ve dominated this rivalry at home in recent seasons. Still, the Red Wings’ offensive spark, paired with a motivated locker room, adds intrigue to the underdog value.
Totals bettors have leaned toward the over, with both teams averaging four or more goals per game through two contests. Both squads have potent top-six scoring and power-play efficiency hovering near 25%.
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Matchup Breakdown
Detroit Red Wings Outlook
Detroit showed the kind of chemistry it lacked on opening night. Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat led a rejuvenated attack, combining for eight points in Saturday’s win. The Red Wings are 1-1-0 and have scored seven goals through two games.
Goaltending remains fluid. Cam Talbot made 20 saves and registered an assist in the win, while John Gibson could return to the crease after a rough debut in Montreal. Detroit’s blue line, led by Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, has improved puck movement but still needs more defensive stability.
Toronto Maple Leafs Outlook
Toronto’s top-end talent hasn’t found its full rhythm yet, but depth scoring has kept them competitive. Morgan Rielly and William Nylander have contributed early, and the fourth line of Jarnkrok, Roy, and Domi continues to provide energy.
Defensively, the Maple Leafs must tighten up after allowing six goals on home ice. Coach Berube stressed playing “shorter shifts” and reducing turnovers in the defensive zone — two areas Detroit exploited in the second and third periods of Saturday’s game.
Playing at home again gives Toronto an advantage, but composure will determine if they can flip the script this time.
Injuries and Lineup Watch
Detroit remains mostly healthy but could rotate in fresh legs for the back-to-back. John Gibson may start in goal if Todd McLellan chooses to rest Cam Talbot.
Toronto has no major injuries to report. Goalie Ilya Samsonov is expected to start, with Joseph Woll available in relief. For updated player news and goaltending confirmations, visit the Expert NHL Betting Guide.
Best Bets and Prediction
Detroit’s resilience showed up in Game 2, and the offense looked balanced from top to bottom. Toronto’s home advantage and high-end scoring talent still make them the more complete team on paper, but their inconsistency in defensive structure leaves the door open for another upset.
Expect a fast-paced matchup with plenty of special teams action.
- Projected Score: Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 3
- Best Bet: Over 6.0 Goals (-115)
- Lean: Maple Leafs Moneyline (-188)
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