Here are 5 Things to watch for in Toronto’s first trip to Little Caesars Arena:
1 Mac on track While Curtis McElhinney has battled consistency overall in the five games he has played this season, he has shone in three and is coming off a 41-save shutout against Edmonton on Sunday. The 34-year-old likes the challenge that comes in being the backup and will try to improve on a 2-2-2 career mark versus Detroit.
2 Strike first An early goal or two could work in the Maple Leafs’ favour against a fragile Red Wings team that has lost 10 of its past 11 games. The Wings were one of five teams in the NHL that had not won a game this season when trailing after one period, going 0-7-2. Toronto won’t be rested, but that will not be an excuse.
3 Steady on the rudder If the wish for Leafs coach Mike Babcock would be for his team to play a simple road game to finish a three-game trip, he might think of stressing that more against a Wings team that was 25th in goals scored with 81. And in their past five games, the Wings have managed just one power-play goal in 16 opportunities.
4 Shoot, Willie, shoot That there is plenty of talent in William Nylander is not questioned, but certainly he could be providing more than the two shots on goal he had in his three games prior to Thursday night’s game in Minnesota. Still, Nylander had seven points in the previous 10 games, tying him for the team lead with Jake Gardiner during that span.
5 Strength when even While the emphasis to win one-on-one battles always is part of a coach’s approach, it could help the Leafs to bring something a little extra at even strength. The Leafs’ 86 even-strength goals led the league, while the Wings had 56, more than only the San Jose Sharks (52) and Buffalo Sabres (50).