Maple Leafs lineup tonight: Toronto's projected lineup for game against Detroit Red Wings | Dec. 14, 2024 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the road to play the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. EST.

Toronto is coming off a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. Ahead of their divisional showdown, here is what the Maple Leafs lineup is expected to look like.

Maple Leafs projected lines

Forwards

• Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Mitch Marner
• Max Pacioretty - John Tavares - William Nylander
• Pontus Holmberg - Fraser Minten - Max Domi
• Steven Lorentz - Connor Dewar - Ryan Reaves

The Maple Leafs forward group has struggled this season in terms of depth scoring. Toronto is led by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander. But, outside of that, Toronto has struggled to get goals from other players.

“For sure, the score sheet, the goals — it's important,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said, via Sportsnet. "Max has got to maybe take a little bit different approach and not be such a selfless player and shoot more. Just getting to the net and greasy areas a little bit more. He’s that type of player that he could score goals there.

"He’s a strong guy and heavy guy. So, I think for him — a lot like Nick Robertson — they got to get on the inside more and get around that net and score some greasy goals. And we need them to. We need those guys. We need secondary scoring.”

Defenseman

• Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev
• Morgan Reilly - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
• Simon Benoit - Conor Timmins

The Maple Leafs blue line got a big boost by getting McCabe back from injury. Toronto's blue line has been a big reason for its success this season.

Goalies

• Joseph Woll
• Dennis Hildeby

Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz suffered an injury as Toronto called up Dennis Hildeby. In the meantime, Woll will be the team's starter.

Maple Leafs vs Red Wings: Preview

Toronto is coming off a win over Anaheim, but Stolatrz did suffer an injury, which is bad news for the Maple Leafs.

However, this is a good spot for Toronto to get a big road win Woll has been solid in net, while Detroit has struggled in defensively, as the Maple Leafs should get a big road win.

Prediction: Maple Leafs 4, Red Wings 2.