Maple Leafs Set to Host Red Wings in Final Regular Season Game

TORONTO, ON — The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Detroit Red Wings tonight at Scotiabank Arena in their final game of the 2024-25 NHL regular season. With the puck dropping at 7:00 p.m. ET, the Leafs aim to build on their recent momentum while the Red Wings look to end their season on a strong note.

Toronto enters this matchup following a decisive 4-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on April 15, improving their record to 51-26-4 and securing a respectable 0.654 points percentage. Meanwhile, Detroit comes off a 5-2 win against the New Jersey Devils on April 16, sporting a record of 39-35-7 and a points percentage of 0.525. Despite their recent successes, the Red Wings have been unable to secure a playoff spot, as they were officially eliminated from contention last weekend.

“There are different moments throughout the season that you can point to and different aspects of our play that led us here,” said Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan. “This tells us we have a lot more work to do.” The Red Wings captain, Dylan Larkin, remains determined. “There’s always something to play for in this league,” he said. “Our fans have been great. We owe them a solid performance.”

Tonight’s game carries significance for individual players as well. Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, who has scored 29 goals this season, is eager to reach the 30-goal milestone. His teammates, including stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, are expected to support Knies in achieving this goal. “I believe getting him to 30 goals will be a priority for him and his linemates tonight,” said a betting analyst regarding the potential outcome.

Both teams have faced challenges on the defensive front. The Red Wings have struggled with goaltending, allowing an average of 3.15 goals per game this season. Conversely, the Leafs’ power play has been underwhelming recently, operating at only 7% in April. This matchup presents an opportunity for Toronto to capitalize on Detroit’s league-worst penalty-kill unit, which has been successful just 69% of the time.

The last time these two teams faced off this season, the Leafs pulled off a win. As the regular season wraps up, today’s game represents not just a chance for victory but also a chance for players to solidify their season-ending performances and set the tone for the upcoming playoffs.

“They’re an exceptional, well-coached team,” said Watson regarding the Red Wings. “It’s going to be difficult. They check well, so it’s going to take our best and we’re ready for that.”