Red Wings Miss Playoffs After OT Loss to Leafs

The Detroit Red Wings finished their 2024-25 season with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, surrendering a two-goal lead and allowing the tying goal with 1.8 seconds left in regulation. The Red Wings, who went 3-0-1 in their final four games and 6-2-2 in their last ten, ended with a 39-35-8 record and missed the playoffs for the ninth straight year—the longest drought in franchise history. Alex DeBrincat scored his 39th goal, while Austin Watson and Justin Holl also contributed for Detroit, and Cam Talbot made 16 saves but finished with declining statistics. Fan sentiment was one of deep disappointment, especially after narrowly missing the postseason last year. Toronto, having already clinched their division, rested key players but rallied with goals from Auston Matthews, Chris Tanev, Philippe Myers, and Scott Laughton to secure the win. The Red Wings now face a pivotal offseason in hopes of ending their prolonged playoff absence.