The Key Positives from the Toronto-Detroit Preseason Game - 10/08/22

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We are one-step closer to the NHL season, Toronto entered tonight's game going into their final preseason game, before the start of the regular season. Previously, the two teams met last night in Detroit, when the Red Wings defeated the Leafs, 4-2.

Engvall Back into Lineup

Lengthy, forward Pierre Engvall is suiting up in his first preseason game of the year. Previously, it was known that the Swedish forward would miss at least two-weeks, recovering from an offseason foot injury. Tonight, Engvall is situated to start on the third-line, alongside Calle Jarnkrok and Alex Kerfoot.

Engvall returned to practice last Sunday, where Leafs management noted that the forward was making good progress and intends to start skating harder later on in the week. 

The Leafs signed the 6-foot-5 winger this offseason to a contract extension. Engvall had a career season last year, as he scored 15 goals and 20 assists during the regular season.

Nylander Nets One Again

William Nylander continues to impress during preseason and throughout training camp. Compared to last season, management and fans have noticed the increase in determination and will within the skilled forwards game.

The Leafs found themselves down one, early in the game, after Wings' forward Pius Suter snuck one by Matt Murray. 

But just four minutes later, William Nylander would respond. The Swedish winger took a breakout pass from Mark Giordano and blew by opposing defenders. Nylander would make his way to the high-slot and rip a wrist shot by the goaltender.

This was Nylander's third goal of preseason, the forward played a total of five minutes and ten seconds during the first period. 

Malgin Undresses Red Wings' Defenders

Denis Malgin has certainly made a case for himself to make the opening night roster. The Leafs inserted the 25-year-old, forward back into the lineup once again. 

Teammate, Alex Kerfoot picked off a centering pass in the defensive zone, and made a quick touch pass to Malgin. The Swiss forward generated speed, beating defenders throughout the neutral zone. Malgin would then pull an inside-out move on the Detroit defender and snipe a shot past the goaltender.


Malgin's goal gave the Leafs a 2-1 lead going into the third period. Tonights tally was Malgin's third goal of the preseason, the forward now has six points in five exhibition games.

To Conclude...

Furthermore, the Leafs would continue to add to their lead during the third period. The Leafs showed off their impressive power play, after Detroit ran into discipline issues.

Auston Matthews unleashed his cannon on the power play. Matthews sat in the bumper position and, received a sharp, one-touch pass from Mitch Marner. Later on William Nylander would record his second of the game. While later in the period, Matthews would record his second goal in the period. 

The Leafs took the game, 5-2. This concludes the teams preseason schedule, management will now make cuts, as the team prepares for their first game against Ottawa.