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Toronto Maple Leafs leftwing Alexei Ponikarovsky (L) and Detroit Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg compete for the puck during the third period of their NHL hockey game in Detroit, Michigan October 9, 2008. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

DETROIT (Reuters) - The Toronto Maple Leafs upset Stanley Cup champions Detroit 3-2 on Thursday as North America welcomed the new NHL season back from Europe.

The season opened in Europe last weekend as part of the league's efforts to reach a wider audience, with the New York Rangers playing Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague, and the Pittsburgh Penguins facing the Ottawa Senators in Stockholm.

Pavel Kubina, Dominic Moore and Nikolai Kulemin scored Toronto's goals and Vesa Toskala made 35 saves to give Ron Wilson his first victory as the Leafs' new coach.

Tomas Holmstrom scored both goals for the Red Wings, who out-shot Toronto 37-29 but appeared distracted after lifting their Stanley Cup banner in a pre-game ceremony. Detroit beat Pittsburgh to win the coveted trophy last season.

"Maybe we were a bit distracted, but that isn't an excuse for the way we played," Detroit coach Mike Babcock told reporters.

"We just weren't at their level for most of the game. They were willing to compete harder and win more battles than we were. It's pretty disappointing."

'NO HANGOVER'

Former Red Wings including Hall of Famer Gordie Howe passed the Stanley Cup banner to current players such as captain Nicklas Lidstrom in the pre-game festivities to the delight of the sold-out crowd.

Leafs coach Wilson decided before the game he wanted his players to see the celebrations first-hand instead of waiting in the dressing room.

"I have no problem applauding the Red Wings for what they've done because we're trying to get here ourselves," Wilson said.

Toronto survived a spirited start by the Red Wings and took the momentum on a late first-period goal by Kubina.

The Leafs then carried the play for the early stages of the second and got another goal, from Moore, to lead 2-0 before the Wings could respond.

"It's a great start for us," Kubina said. "The expectations for this team are very low but we feel we are a lot better than many people think.

Chris Osgood made 26 saves for the Wings.

"I wouldn't say it's a Stanley Cup hangover," Osgood said. "Toronto is improved from last year."

(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by Peter Rutherford)