Red Wings Edge Maple Leafs 6–5 in Overtime Thriller

Larkin’s OT winner caps back-and-forth battle in Detroit

DETROIT — The Toronto Maple Leafs came up just short in an offensive showcase on Saturday night, falling 6–5 in overtime to the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Dylan Larkin scored his second of the game — and fourth of the preseason — on the power play at 3:23 of overtime to lift Detroit to victory.

Detroit struck first midway through the opening period, but Toronto responded with two quick goals before intermission. Logan Shaw tied the game at 15:57, and Nick Robertson added a shorthanded marker less than two minutes later to put the Leafs ahead 2–1 after one.

The second period saw both teams trade goals again. Patrick Kane evened the score for Detroit early before Michael Pezzetta and Alex Nylander tallied back-to-back goals to give Toronto a 4–2 lead through 40 minutes.

Real thing Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/3ftwPRFFOr

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 5, 2025

In a wild third period, Detroit rallied behind a surge from its top line. Mathias Brandsegg-Nygård and Larkin both scored on the power play, and Anton Johansson’s goal with 31 seconds left forced overtime.

Dennis Hildeby and James Reimer split goaltending duties for Toronto, combining for 36 saves on 42 shots. John Gibson earned the win for Detroit, stopping 20 of 25.

Brandsegg-Nygård, who scored twice, and Kane, who recorded three assists, joined Larkin as the game’s three stars.

What It Means

Toronto’s preseason record moves to 2–3–1 after another tightly contested matchup. The Leafs’ offence continues to produce at a high rate, but defensive lapses and penalties proved costly in back-to-back games against Detroit.

Game Summary

• Final Score: Detroit 6 – Toronto 5 (OT)

• Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit

• Shots on Goal: Detroit 42 | Toronto 25

• Power Plays: Detroit 3-for-6 | Toronto 0-for-5

• Three Stars:

  1. Dylan Larkin (DET)

  2. Mathias Brandsegg-Nygård (DET)

  3. Patrick Kane (DET)

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