The Detroit Red Wings recently secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena. This match, held on December 28, 2025, showcased intense competition between two Original Six rivals as both teams vied for bragging rights in the Atlantic Division.
Overtime Hero: Simon Edvinsson
Defenseman Simon Edvinsson emerged as the standout player, scoring the decisive goal with just 3:14 remaining in overtime. His heroics came after he had previously sustained an injury from a puck to the legs, forcing him to leave the ice temporarily. Remarkably, Edvinsson returned to play, disrupting a Leafs power play before ultimately sealing the win.
Game Recap
- Final Score: Red Wings 3, Maple Leafs 2
- Date: December 28, 2025
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
The game drew an animated crowd, and the atmosphere intensified in the third period as the Red Wings staged a comeback. After falling behind, they managed to rally twice. Moritz Seider leveled the score at 1-1 right before the end of the second period. The Maple Leafs’ Nicholas Robertson had given Toronto a brief lead with a strong one-timer early in the third.
Key Moments
- Seider’s goal tied the game at the end of the second period.
- Robertson scored for the Leafs early in the third period.
- Mason Appleton equalized soon after, setting the stage for overtime.
Team Performance and Strategy
Both teams played the night before, which may have contributed to a slightly slower start. The Red Wings had a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, while the Maple Leafs triumphed 7-5 against the Ottawa Senators.
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan praised his team’s resilience throughout the game. The victory brought Detroit’s record to 23 wins, 14 losses, and 3 overtime losses, maintaining their position atop the Atlantic Division as they aim for a successful season. The Tampa Bay Lightning also won their game against the Montreal Canadiens, further tightening the divisional race.
Upcoming Matches
The Red Wings will face the Winnipeg Jets on New Year’s Eve, followed by a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 1, 2026.
Patrick Kane, returning from a six-game injury absence, remains just two goals shy of joining the exclusive 500-goal club. Currently, he stands with 498 goals and 1,366 total points, trailing only Mike Modano among U.S.-born players.
The Red Wings’ thrilling performance against the Maple Leafs illustrates their determination and skill as they gear up for the upcoming challenges in the NHL season.
