Red Wings send Maple Leafs to third straight loss

TORONTO – Andrew Copp scored the game winning goal with 1:40 remaining in the third period and the Detroit Red Wings handed the Toronto Maple Leafs their third straight loss with a 4 2 decision on Sunday. Dylan Larkin, Daniel Sprong and Lucas Raymond added the other goals for Detroit (22 16 5), which won for the fifth time in its last six games.

James Reimer made 29 saves. Pontus Holmberg and Mitch Marner replied for Toronto (21 12 8). Marner recorded his 600th career point with the goal. Ilya Samsonov stopped 20 shots in front of 18,772 in attendance at Scotiabank Arena and in his first start since Dec. 29. Samsonov was waived Dec. 31 and then joined the Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.

He was recalled by the Leafs on Wednesday, with rookie netminder Dennis Hildeby being loaned to the Marlies. Story continues below advertisement Related Videos 1:24 Saskatoon Blades swing monster deal to add Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Minten Saskatoon Blades swing monster deal to add Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Minten Joanne Langlois and Pat Murphy tee up Kingston’s ‘Hockey Helps The Homeless’ Maple Leafs to face off against Montreal Canadiens in season opener Sneak peek at Scotiabank Arena’s $350M reno project The State of Toronto Sports Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe signs multi year contract extension Toronto Maple Leafs legend Bobby Baun dead at 86 Mitch Marner talks charity’s ‘All Star Invitational’ Brad Treliving introduced as new GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs Who could be the Leafs future GM? Previous Video Next Video Samsonov was strong in a scoreless first period.

The Red Wings outshot Toronto 10 7, including an early breakaway from J.T. Compher and multiple 2 on 1 chances that Samsonov stonewalled. Get the latest National news. Sent to your email, every day. Holmberg opened the scoring 32 seconds into the second period, tipping in a Morgan Rielly point shot.

Larkin knotted the contest with 4:21 remaining in the middle frame. He took a pass from David Perron between multiple Leafs defenders and beat Samsonov glove side. Marner restored Toronto’s lead with 1:42 left in the second. He found a streaking Tyler Bertuzzi who pulled the defence’s eyes his way and sent it back to Marner for an easy tap in goal.

Sprong evened the score 2:46 into the third period. He tipped a Rielly pass from the point, with the puck going to Alex DeBrincat who sprung Sprong on a breakaway and he beat a sprawling Samsonov with a backhand. Story continues below advertisement Copp put the Red Wings ahead just moments after the crowd was chanting “Sammy” following a sprawling save on DeBrincat by Samsonov.

Raymond netted an empty netter with 18.9 seconds remaining. Trending Now 9 arrested after secret tunnel found under NYC synagogue. What is going on? Critical emergency alert issued as Alberta’s power grid put under strain NET DECISIONS Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe said earlier Sunday that Samsonov starting will be a chance to see if he makes some progress.

Samsonov is 5 2 6 on the season and went 1 1 3 in December, earning a shutout in the win before surrendering 21 goals in four straight losses. More on Sports Aaron Rodgers returns to ‘Pat McAfee Show’ 1 day after being axed by host ‘Pickleball is crazy’: Genie Bouchard on her pro debut and differences with tennis Blue Jays sign 11 players to avoid arbitration Raptors head coach Rajakovic fined $25K by NBA “It’s a bigger decision than just me or (goalie coach) Curtis (Sanford),” Keefe said.

“You got a guy who’s the number 1 goalie, the highest paid goalie and you got your top prospect in Hildeby. “When you’re making a decision like this, it’s not just a feel thing or whatever the coach thinks. You’re consulting everybody and trying to do what’s right for the team and the player.” UP NEXT Maple Leafs: Head to Edmonton to open a four game road trip against the red hot Oilers on Tuesday.

Red Wings: Fly south to Florida to take on the Panthers on Wednesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 14, 2024. Story continues below advertisement.