3 major takeaways from Detroit Red Wings 3-2 loss in preseason game vs Toronto Maple Leafs

The Detroit Red Wings dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

The Leafs came back from a 2-1 deficit after the first 20 minutes, taking the lead on two power play goals. Auston Matthews, John Tavares and Steven Lorentz scored for Toronto.

The Detroit Red Wings got two first-period goals from Christian Fischer and Andrew Copp to take the lead into the first intermission. However, the Wings could not hold on and lost the matchup.

So, here’s a look at the three major takeaways from the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

3 major takeaways from Detroit Red Wings loss in preseason game vs Toronto Maple Leafs

#3. The Wings could not sustain the momentum

The Red Wings came out strong, challenging the Leafs from the start. The solid opening led to the Christian Fischer goal. Fischer cut straight up the middle, beating both Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev before burying the pack past Leafs’ netminder Joseph Woll.

Following the Leafs’ tying goal, the Wings kept the pressure, leading to Copp’s goal on the power play. However, the Leafs seemed to settle down following Copp’s goal and ended the first period looking more composed.

After the first intermission, the Leafs controlled the game, eventually coming back to take the lead. For the rest of the game, the Wings chased the Leafs and the puck around the ice. Despite a late push, the Wings could not get the equalizer.

#2. Ville Husso had a strong game despite loss

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso stopped 30 shots, making several key saves. Despite the solid performance, the Wings’ defense allowed the Leafs power play to run around the ice. In particular, the defense could not stop Auston Matthews.

It’s worth pointing out that Husso had already robbed Matthews on a one-timer chance. However, the Wings’ defense allowed Matthews another chance at a one-timer, one that he would not miss.

The same situation happened with Tavares’ goal. After the Leafs dumped the puck in, the Wings could not clear, giving Tavares plenty of time to fire a pass from Matthews past Husso for the lead.

It’s hard to blame Husso for the goals when there were clear defensive lapses that opened the door to for the Leafs’ big guns to score. Moving forward, the Wings will need to tighten up in order to avoid such scoring chances.

#1. The special teams failed to perform

The Detroit Red Wings special teams failed to perform. The power play went 1-for-5, including a missed opportunity on a 5-on-3 power play in the first period.

Then, the penalty kill failed to control the Leafs’ potent offense, giving two goals on four opportunities. Ultimately, the missed power play opportunities opened the door for the Leafs' power play to be the difference in the game.