Ilya Samsonov stands tall but overmatched Maple Leafs lineup falls short in preseason loss to Detroit

Ilya Samsonov and the Maple Leafs' lineup were overmatched in their preseason loss to Detroit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost 4-2 to the Detroit Red Wings in a preseason game. The game featured many players who will be sent to Marlies in the next few days. Toronto took the lead early on. Detroit fought back and won the game in second half. Elmer Soderblom scored the winning goal. Tyler Bertuzzi scored a goal in third period. Ilya Samsonov made a number of saves. He was the best player on the ice for Detroit. His team will play against the Maple Leaf's next. They are up against a team that has many NHL players.

Denis Malgin and Pontus Holmberg played together on the line against Detroit on Friday night. Malgen is a skilled winger, but he is undersized and struggles to adapt to the NHL. Holmborg played more often on a line with Robertson. Sheldon Keefe is comfortable with Holberg and knows what to expect from him. He was taken out of that role late when the game was tied and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev was put in the role. The team has a lot of talent and is going to be competitive. It's not surprising that Malgar's effectiveness is reduced when he's playing with a more skilled player.

Sheldon Keefe is happy with Ilya Samsonov's development. The Maple Leafs lost 4-2 in Detroit.