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Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 4-1 Loss to the Red Wings

Last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Detroit Red Wings by a score of 4-1. What were the three key takeaways from the game?

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, all good things must come to an end. Last night, the Detroit Red Wings won their first game against the Maple Leafs in almost four years. The final score was 4-1. 

For the Red Wings, Lucas Raymond had a goal and two assists, while Robby Fabbri, Ben Chiarot, and Moritz Seider also scored for Detroit. Detroit goalie Ville Husso had 31 saves. 

The Maple Leafs’ only goal came from defenseman Rasmus Sandin. Prior to last night’s loss, the Maple Leafs had previously won nine games in a row in regulation over the Red Wings. That streak dated back to the start of the 2016-17 season. 

It was the Red Wings’ first win against Toronto in nearly four years. The loss halted the Maple Leafs’ three-game win streak.

Takeaway One: Red Wings Turn the Tables on Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Samsonov started against the Red Wings last night. In his last game against Detroit, he had stopped all but one of 23 shots on his net. It wasn’t the same team last night.  

In the end, Samsonov made 19 saves in the 4-1 loss. He allowed three goals last night. It’s been a bit up-and-down for Samsonov over his past six games. He’s put together a 3-2-1 record and has given up 21 goals over those games. 

Ilya Samsonov Maple Leafs 2
Ilya Samsonov Maple Leafs 2

More interesting, he’s given up three or more goals in five of his last six. On the season, he’s not bad statistically. However, he’s been sliding. Currently, after 17 games, his record is 12-4-1, with a goals-against-average of 2.33 and a save percentage of .914.

Related: Four Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 2-1 Win Over Predators

Takeaway Two: Rasmus Sandin Scores His Third Goal

Rasmus Sandin had the only goal for the Maple Leafs on the night. It was his first goal in 11 games and his third of the season. After being a holdout for much of the offseason before he signed a contract, Sandin has become one of the regular blue-liners this season.

With his point last night, Sandin is now only a single point away from matching last season’s career-best season. In 2021-22, he put up 16 points in 51 games. This season, in only 39 games, Sandin has 15 points. He’s been a regular since day one of the season; and, he’s likely going to be central to the Maple Leafs’ defense for seasons to come.

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Murray, Nylander, Tavares & Marner

Takeaway Three: Bobby McMann Does NOT Score His 1st NHL Goal

Bobby McMann, who was playing only his second NHL game with the Maple Leafs, thought he had scored his first career goal only 56 seconds after the opening faceoff. However, the goal was later reviewed and it was ruled that McMann had used a “distinct kicking motion” to direct the puck into the net. As a result, of that decision, the goal was disallowed.

Goalie Samsonov, after the game, acted as a spokesperson for the Maple Leafs and reported: “That was sad, because he gets his first career goal and he’s celebrating and everyone is happy for him, and then we didn’t really know what was going on.”

Samsonov then predicted, “He’s going to get one soon, though. He’s a good player.”

Related: THE GOOD, THE BAD, & UGLY IN MAPLE LEAFS 2-1 SQUEAKER VS PREDS

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. ssdd

    January 13, 2023 at 12:01 pm

    This is why the internet can be an evil tool. It gives a platform for those who know jack-shit about hockey to give their opinion. The Red Wings didn’t turn the tables on Samsonov, the team IFO Samsanov did not show up, period. The excuse is it was the second game of a back to back & they were tired. That hasn’t seemed to be a problem this year for the Buds & the travel from TO to Detroit is not that egregious but maybe having to tuck Daddy in after a few cold ones is a problem. Regardless, as they are prone to do against weaker opposition, the Buds floated through this one! There was no support for Samsonov who easily was the best Leaf on the ice last night. To call the Leafs goaltending into question either belies your lack of knowledge or falls in line with the TO media who constantly look for the negative!!!

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