The Detroit Red Wings were two seconds away from closing the 2024-25 season, already cemented as a disappointment, with a win in Toronto. Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev one-timed a prayer of a shot past Cam Talbot, tying the game for Toronto, before Scott Laughton won it overtime by a 4–3 final score. The game didn't mean much to either team—one eliminated, the other already division champion—but for Detroit it was chance to end on a winning note. Instead, Game 82 provided one last disappointment.
Apr 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) battles for the puck with Detroit Red Wings center Tyler Motte (14) during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. (Nick Turchiaro, Imagn Images)
Superstar center Auston Matthews scored the game's first goal late in the first period to put the Maple Leafs in front, but Austin Watson answered swiftly to send the game to the first intermission at 1–1. From there, the Red Wings built a 3–1 lead just six minutes into the second thanks to Justin Holl's second goal of the season and Alex DeBrincat's 39th.
That lead stood through the end of the second, but Philippe Myers cut it to 3–2 not quite four minutes into the third. Detroit appeared on its way to a season-ending victory, but instead stumbled late, succumbing the six-on-five equalizer then three-on-three OT dagger.
Detroit finishes the season with 86 points, five short of the 91 the Red Wings accrued in 2023-24. They will enter the draft lottery in the 12 slot and will not be eligible to take the number one overall pick.
