TORONTO – The Detroit Red Wings are set to conclude their 2024-25 NHL regular season with a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night.
The game, which starts at 7 p.m., will be available on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit. This marks the last regular-season fixture for both the Red Wings, who hold a record of 39-35-7 with 85 points, and the Maple Leafs, who boast a record of 51-26-4 with 106 points. Detroit managed one victory over Toronto this season, a 4-2 win at their home venue on December 14.
Lucas Raymond of the Red Wings said, “For us right now, it’s about building an identity,” following their 5-2 win against the New Jersey Devils. Raymond’s performance, contributing two assists, has seen him reach a season total of 53 assists and 80 points, leading the team and making him the first Red Wings player since 2010-11 to achieve this milestone.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Raymond stated, “It’s fun. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. I’m just happy with the way we played. We keep grinding and doing it for each other.” Despite being out of playoff contention, goalie Alex Lyon, who made 28 saves during the match against New Jersey, commended the coaching staff. “You have to have a message that works when you’re in it and works when you might be out of it,” Lyon expressed.
The Maple Leafs have secured the Atlantic Division title and approach this Original Six clash with a four-game triumph sequence, most recently defeating the Buffalo Sabres 4-0. Toronto’s offense this season is spearheaded by Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Auston Matthews, while Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz have been formidable in goal.
Detroit’s head coach, Todd McLellan, emphasized the importance of commitment in their final game, stating, “They owe it to each other to commit to these [last three periods]. We can hit the 40-win plateau by playing well [on Thursday]. I don’t know what we’re going to face, but in any case, that was the message and keep working and building our game.”
