The game began with a bang as Maple Leafs star Auston Matthew skated in uncontested for a shot that went just above the crossbar. It served as a reminder the Detroit Red Wings need to be ready for anything. The Wings were without rookie defensemen Dennis Cholowski who was out with an upper-body injury.
Andreas Athanasiou used his speed well and had his best game of the young season. He was creating scoring chances for himself and his linemates all evening. Athanasiou was unable to put the puck in the net, but his play gave Toronto fits early and often.