3 Maple Leafs that must deliver on the road against the Red Wings

"As good as the schedule seems to set up for the Maple Leafs, it is going to be on them to capitalize on it. When looking ahead to this game, there are a number of players that fans should be keeping a close eye on as they could be the deciding factor in the outcome. 3 Maple Leafs to watch in the road game against the Detroit Red Wings"

"In the box score, it would look like Matthews had a decent game as he had one goal on four shots and an Expected Goals of 0.91. However, the goal he did score was an empty net goal at the end of the game and it never felt like he had the impact on the game of a player of his caliber."

"The long-time Maple Leafs defenseman finished with one goal and one assist with five shots on goal. Last season, Rielly finished with only 41 points and a +/- of -8 after 58 points and a +/- of +7 the season before that. This was a great first game to get back to playing at the level he did when he was an All-Star and he will try to keep that momentum going against the Red Wings."

The Maple Leafs opened the season with a 5-2 win over the Canadiens and will begin a road back-to-back against the Detroit Red Wings, starting a 10-game stretch to separate themselves in the Atlantic Division. A favorable schedule presents an opportunity, but the team must capitalize through stronger contributions. Auston Matthews scored an empty-net goal and needs to take over games following Mitch Marner's departure. Morgan Rielly produced a goal and an assist and looks to regain his All-Star level. Bobby McMann was expected to take on a bigger role and showed that in the opener.

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