Mike Babcock, Leafs set to battle Wings
Mike Babcock, the first-year coach of the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs, goes after victory number one with his new team against the host Detroit Red Wings on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET).
The Maple Leafs had a 37-30 advantage in shots but dropped a 3-1 decision to Montreal at home in Wednesday's season opener.
"We had lots of chances to score," Babcock told reporters. "In the third period, I didn't like that when we started pushing, we got a little carried away at times, but I thought we did a lot of good things structurally."
While the Maple Leafs are moving forward with baby steps, the Red Wings are ready to roll in their season opener with new coach Jeff Blashill at the helm.
Detroit begins the campaign with injury concerns, including star centre Pavel Datsyuk (ankle), but has high expectations with a solid group of young players looking to make the next step.
Toronto (0-1-0): James van Riemsdyk scored the team's only goal in its opener, tallying with the man advantage while Toronto gave up just one power-play opportunity. Jonathan Bernier allowed a goal on the first shot he faced Wednesday but was solid thereafter and is expected to start Friday, while backup James Reimer goes against Ottawa on Saturday. Free-agent signee Matt Hunwick earned a spot beside captain Dion Phaneuf on defence while veteran blue-liner Roman Polak was a healthy scratch in the opener.
Detroit (2014-15: 43-25-14, 3rd in Atlantic): Datsyuk, forward Darren Helm (shoulder, concussion) and defenceman Danny DeKeyser (foot) were placed on injured reserve to start the season. Captain Henrik Zetterberg (66 points) led the team in scoring last season and fellow veteran forward Brad Richards has been added, but nine of the key forwards for the Red Wings are age 26 or younger. Centre Dylan Larkin, 19, is expected to make his NHL debut in a prominent role and Jimmy Howard is slated to start in goal Friday.
Overtime Shots
- Detroit D Mike Green will make his debut for the team after recording 360 points in 575 games with Washington
- Toronto D Jake Gardiner led the team in ice time in the season opener (21:28) but finished with a minus-2 rating
- The Maple Leafs earned points in four of their five meetings (3-1-1) with Detroit last season
