The Red Wings (7-17-3) have lost five in a row and are winless in their past seven games (0-5-2).
"This is really tough, especially at home in front of a big crowd," Detroit center Dylan Larkin said. "We don't have any answers right now, but we have to remember this feeling and find a way to get out of this."
The Red Wings have been shut out in two straight games for the first time since Jan. 12-16, 2004.
"It's embarrassing to get beat 6-0 in your own building," forward Luke Glendening said. "We're all proud to wear this jersey, but we have to start playing like we're proud of it."
Jimmy Howard allowed three goals on 14 shots before leaving with a mid-body injury. Jonathan Bernier, who was scratched from his scheduled start because of an illness, relieved Howard and made 37 saves on 40 shots.
"That took a lot of guts by [Bernier]," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. "We tried to get another goalie here, but no one was available, so we asked him if he could play. I kept asking if he was OK, and he said he could keep going."
The Maple Leafs took a 1-0 lead 1:04 into the game when defenseman Travis Dermott scored. Howard made the save on Dermott's shot, but the rebound went in off Frans Nielsen's skate.