Detroit, MI – The Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs put on a thrilling spectacle at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night, with the contest ending in a dramatic shootout victory for the Red Wings.

The tightly contested matchup showcased classic Original Six hockey, with both teams trading goals and momentum throughout the night. The Red Wings struck first, with Dylan Larkin scoring just past the halfway mark of the opening period. However, the Maple Leafs responded swiftly, with Auston Matthews tying the game less than three minutes later.

The second period was equally intense, with the teams again exchanging goals. Michael Bunting gave the Maple Leafs the lead, but Jakub Vrana pulled the Red Wings level shortly thereafter. The third period remained scoreless, sending the game into overtime.

Extra time proved to be equally tense, with both clubs creating scoring opportunities but failing to find the back of the net. The teams ultimately went to a shootout, where David Perron’s goal proved to be the difference.

“It was a great game, a lot of back and forth,” said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. “We had some good looks in overtime, but couldn’t put it away. Credit to the Red Wings, they played a great game.”

Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde praised his team’s resilience in the face of a tough opponent. “We stuck with it, we stayed disciplined, and we found a way to win,” Lalonde said.

The victory moves the Red Wings into a tie with the Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division standings, adding further intrigue to the Original Six rivalry. Both teams will face off again in Toronto on Wednesday night.

The matchup between the Original Six teams has long held a special place in hockey history, and Monday’s contest lived up to the hype. The electric atmosphere and high-level play from both sides left fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. As the two storied franchises continue their season-long battles, future encounters are sure to provide more unforgettable moments.