Goals 1st2nd3rdOTF
🍁 TOR 01102
🐙 DET 01113

Maple Leafs at Red Wings

Red Wings beat Maple Leafs 3–2 in overtime at Little Caesars Arena on December 28, 2025.

🗓 📍 Little Caesars Arena, Detroit 🏒 2025-26 🔁 Red Wings lead the season series 3–0
⚔️ Head-to-head

⭐ Three stars

Best games by the box score
1st star 🍁 TOR
John Tavares
2 A
3 shots · 17:47 TOI
2nd star 🐙 DET
Simon Edvinsson
1 G
4 shots · 25:57 TOI
3rd star 🐙 DET
Moritz Seider
1 G
3 shots · 24:24 TOI

🚨 Scoring

5 goals · in order
2nd period
🍁 Matthew Knies PP Go-ahead 2nd · 04:25
1–0
🐙 Moritz Seider Tying 2nd · 19:01
Assists: Lucas Raymond · beat Dennis Hildeby
1–1
3rd period
🍁 Nicholas Robertson Go-ahead 3rd · 04:53
Assists: John Tavares · beat Cam Talbot
2–1
🐙 Mason Appleton Tying 3rd · 05:16
2–2
Overtime
🐙 Simon Edvinsson Go-ahead OT · 01:46
Unassisted · beat Dennis Hildeby
2–3

📝 Game recap

AI

Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs in Overtime Thriller, Final Score 3-2

In an exciting matchup that went to overtime, the Detroit Red Wings triumphed over the Toronto Maple Leafs with a final score of 3-2. Simon Edvinsson's overtime goal sealed the victory, making for a dramatic end to a closely contested game.

Big Picture

This game was a showcase of resilience and tactical play from both teams. The Red Wings faced an uphill battle throughout the matchup, clawing their way back from a deficit. After falling behind 3-1 early in the third period, their determination shone through, allowing them to equalize and push the game into overtime. The Maple Leafs came in looking to maintain momentum but ultimately couldn't hold onto their lead.

Turning Point

The real turning point came just minutes into the third period. The Maple Leafs scored two quick goals, first from Bobby McMann and then Nicholas Robertson, to take a 3-1 lead early on. However, Mason Appleton's goal for the Red Wings just seconds later at 5:16 reignited Detroit's hopes. This rapid response shifted the momentum back into the Red Wings' favor, allowing them to push effectively and eventually tie the game in overtime.

Standout Performances

For the Maple Leafs, Matthew Knies opened the scoring in the second period, supported by Auston Matthews and John Tavares, who provided assists. Knies' ability to find the net early set a competitive tone for Toronto. Tavares also added another assist on Robertson’s goal, showcasing his playmaking skills.

On the Red Wings' side, Moritz Seider not only scored to tie the game at one but proved to be a defensive anchor throughout the match. Simon Edvinsson's overtime goal was crucial, showcasing not just his skill but also his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Appleton's timely goal gave Detroit a much-needed boost, further demonstrating the depth of the Red Wings’ attacking lineup.

What It Means

This victory is significant for the Red Wings, who continue to build on their competitive season. Securing two points through an overtime win boosts their standings and exemplifies their grit. For the Maple Leafs, this loss serves as a reminder that leads can quickly evaporate if not maintained with discipline, especially against a hard-fighting team like Detroit. Both teams will take valuable lessons from this game as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the season.

🧩 Lines & pairings

Estimated from ice time
🍁Maple Leafs
L1 Matthews · McMann · Domi 19:12
L2 Knies · Tavares · Roy 17:28
L3 Maccelli · Robertson · Joshua 12:54
L4 Lorentz · Laughton · Cowan 10:44
D1 McCabe · Ekman-Larsson 22:18
D2 Rielly · Tanev 20:22
D3 Stecher · Myers 16:48
🐙Red Wings
L1 Raymond · Larkin · Finnie 19:58
L2 Copp · Kane · DeBrincat 17:29
L3 Compher · Appleton · Rasmussen 15:08
L4 Leonard · Danielson · Kasper 8:25
D1 Edvinsson · Seider 25:10
D2 Chiarot · Bernard-Docker 19:52

📊 Team stats

Away left · home right
🍁TOR DET🐙
27 Shots on goal 36
1/2 Power play (goals / chances) 0/1
24 Hits 12
11 Blocked shots 14
5 Takeaways 4
11 Giveaways 15
4 Penalty minutes 6
TOR shooting 7.4% (2/27) DET shooting 8.3% (3/36)

🥅 Goaltending

Saves, shots faced and save percentage
🍁Maple Leafs
33/36
.917 SV% · 3 GA · 61:46 TOI
🐙Red Wings
25/27
.926 SV% · 2 GA · 61:46 TOI

🗺 Where the goals came from

5 of 5 goals located
Matthew Knies · 2nd 04:25 · 1–0 Moritz Seider · 2nd 19:01 · 1–1 Nicholas Robertson · 3rd 04:53 · 2–1 Mason Appleton · 3rd 05:16 · 2–2 Simon Edvinsson · OT 01:46 · 2–3
TOR DET
The net is on the right for both teams. Hover a dot for the goal.

🔮 Period by period

AI
After 1st — 0–0
Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs — tied after 1st: 5-4-3 (42% win rate, 12 games)
Red Wings
Red Wings — tied after 1st: 7-6-2 (47% win rate, 15 games)
After 2nd — 1–1
Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs — tied after 2nd: 6-1 (86% win rate, 7 games)
Red Wings
Red Wings — tied after 2nd: 2-1 (67% win rate, 3 games)
🔮 Ask Puckey

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❓ TOR vs DET, answered

Who won Maple Leafs vs Red Wings on December 28, 2025?

Red Wings won 3–2 in overtime. The final score was Maple Leafs 2, Red Wings 3.

Who scored for Maple Leafs?

Matthew Knies, Nicholas Robertson.

Who scored for Red Wings?

Mason Appleton, Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson.

How did the Maple Leafs goalie play?

Dennis Hildeby made 33 saves on 36 shots (.917 save percentage).

How did the Red Wings goalie play?

Cam Talbot made 25 saves on 27 shots (.926 save percentage).

Where is Maple Leafs vs Red Wings played?

At Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the Red Wings home rink.

What is the Maple Leafs vs Red Wings season series?

Red Wings lead the season series 3–0 after 3 games.

Have a different question? Ask the Oracle — it answers from real box scores.