Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs October 4 2025 Game Review
Red Wings Stun Maple Leafs in Overtime Thriller: Red Wings 6, Maple Leafs 5 (OT)
October 4, 2025 – Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
In an electrifying preseason finale at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Red Wings completed a remarkable comeback to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 in overtime. Captain Dylan Larkin played hero, netting the game-winning power-play goal 3:23 into the extra period to cap off a two-goal performance that delighted the 17,724 fans in attendance.
Game Flow and Highlights
The night began with the Red Wings drawing first blood when Michael Brandsegg-Nygård converted a slick cross-crease pass from J.T. Compher at 11:08 of the opening frame, with Simon Edvinsson collecting a secondary assist.
Toronto quickly responded with two first-period goals. Logan Shaw evened the score at 15:57, followed by Nicholas Robertson’s impressive shorthanded tally from the top of the left face-off circle with just 2:15 remaining in the period, giving the Maple Leafs a 2-1 advantage.
Early in the second period, Patrick Kane showcased his elite skill with a beautiful top-shelf goal at 5:04, tying the game at 2-2 with assists from Alex DeBrincat and Edvinsson. However, Toronto seized control with back-to-back goals in a 47-second span later in the period. Michael Pezzetta scored unassisted at 16:03, followed by Alexander Nylander’s goal at 16:57 (assisted by Cedric Pare), pushing the Maple Leafs ahead 4-2.
Third Period Comeback
Facing a two-goal deficit entering the final frame, Detroit mounted an impressive rally. Brandsegg-Nygård notched his second goal of the night on the power play at 12:33, assisted by Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Marco Kasper, cutting Toronto’s lead to 4-3.
The back-and-forth battle intensified when Cedric Pare restored Toronto’s two-goal advantage just 15 seconds later, making it 5-3 with assists from Travis Boyd and Michael Pezzetta.
With time winding down, the Red Wings found themselves with a 6-on-3 advantage due to penalties and pulling their goaltender. Captain Dylan Larkin capitalized on this opportunity at 17:19, firing home a quick wrist shot after a setup from Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond to make it 5-4.
The dramatic equalizer came with just 31 seconds remaining in regulation when defenseman Albert Johansson blasted a shot from deep to tie the game at 5-5, assisted by Sandin-Pellikka and Compher.
Overtime Heroics
The extra period belonged to Dylan Larkin, who roofed his second power-play goal of the night at 3:23 to complete the comeback and secure the 6-5 victory for Detroit.
Standout Performances
Dylan Larkin (DET): The Red Wings’ captain was named first star after scoring twice, including the overtime winner, showcasing his leadership when the team needed it most.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård (DET): The promising forward earned second-star honors with his two-goal performance, continuing to impress the coaching staff with both his scoring touch and physical presence.
Patrick Kane (DET): The veteran winger demonstrated his elite playmaking abilities with a goal and two assists, earning third-star recognition and proving he remains a significant offensive threat.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka (DET): Though not named among the three stars, the young defenseman recorded two assists and logged valuable power-play time, contributing significantly to Detroit’s comeback.
Nicholas Robertson (TOR): His shorthanded goal from the face-off circle was one of the game’s highlight moments for the Maple Leafs.
Key Statistics
Detroit outshot Toronto by a wide margin (42-25) and held a slight edge in the faceoff circle (54.2% to 45.8%). The Red Wings’ special teams were crucial in the victory, with two power-play goals, including the overtime winner.
Post-Game Reactions
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan expressed satisfaction with his team’s preseason performance: “I was happy with the execution of camp. The timing and the way it laid out. I thought the staff – training, medical, video, everybody – did an outstanding job.”
McLellan specifically praised Brandsegg-Nygård’s development: “Every night, he just keeps getting better and better and has an impact on the game. Yes, scoring, but even his heaviness and grind component of his game is something we appreciate. He’s done a really, really good job.”
Sandin-Pellikka commented on his power-play experience: “It’s fun. Getting the opportunity to play that here is a good experience for me. A little free apple today from Michael, so that was pretty nice.”
Conclusion
The thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against Toronto gave Detroit a solid 5-3-0 preseason record as they look ahead to the 2025-26 regular season. The Red Wings demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming multiple deficits, and their star players delivered in crucial moments. For Maple Leafs fans, the collapse will raise concerns about defensive consistency heading into the regular season, despite the impressive offensive output.
With the preseason now complete, both teams will focus on final roster decisions and preparations for the regular season, where these Original Six rivals will undoubtedly deliver more memorable matchups.
Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine
