Ilya Samsonov stopped 20 of 23 shots he faced in Toronto's overtime win.

The Maple Leafs stars came out to play on Thursday in what was the second-last pre-season game.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the game was how Fraser Minten would look. Another was how Calle Jarnkrok would fare in his first pre-season game of the year.

Here are those observations, and a few more from Toronto's penultimate pre-season game against Detroit.

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are back

The way these two were snapping the puck around on Thursday was pretty spectacular.

Whether at five-on-five, the power play, or even the penalty kill, this duo looked like they were in mid-season form. Marner was using his skating and his hockey IQ to find his linemate, while Matthews was finishing off the chances he was given.

Everyone understands what this duo can do on the ice, but I think they could reach a different level this season if they remain on the penalty kill together. The more they are on the ice together, the more they make things happen.

Fraser Minten is playing to stay with the Maple Leafs

Minten continues to shine with Toronto. Whether in the faceoff circle, the defensive end, or the offensive zone, the 19-year-old continues to show signs of a legitimate NHL player.

"I don’t really feel any pressure it’s just an amazing opportunity, to me," Minten said on Thursday morning. "I don't feel like I can lose out there tonight no matter how it goes."

The 19-year-old was in the right place at the right time on almost every shift. He had a scoring chance early in the game because of that hockey IQ, smacking the puck out of mid-air before snapping it on net.

The biggest question is, will he make the team? I don't believe he will. But I do think he should.

There are a lot of moving parts in this situation. Noah Gregor, to me, has played his way into a contract. John Klingberg is also set to return from an injury, giving Toronto less flexibility in the cap department.

The Maple Leafs would need to, at least by my calculations, waive or trade a player who carries a $1 million or higher AAV. Do you do that to keep a rookie who has had a good training camp?

His play would suggest yes, but the money would suggest no. It'll be fascinating to see how the Maple Leafs approach this situation moving forward.

Tyler Bertuzzi has arrived

I originally had planned to write about how Bertuzzi hasn't impressed me during the pre-season thus far. However, this was a big game for the new Maple Leaf.

The 28-year-old didn't find the net before Thursday night, leading me to believe maybe Bertuzzi isn't a fit with Matthews and Marner. I was wrong.

Bertuzzi looked involved in all areas of the ice against his former team. But what stood out most was that he finished one of his scoring chances. And it looked like, by his celebration, that not scoring was weighing on him a bit.

Credit to the 28-year-old on this play. He was relentless on the Red Wings' players trying to get the puck, which he eventually did. We've known for some time that Bertuzzi's shot is dangerous, and we finally got to see it on Thursday night.

Let's see if he keeps this up.

The other observations

- Pontus Holmberg had another positive game. He's stood out during this training camp at both ends of the rink. I wonder how much longer he will stick around with the big club.

- Simon Benoit had a hat trick on Thursday, and no, not from finding the back of the net. The 25-year-old took three penalties on the night all while trying to show why he should be the defenseman who gets the call when there are injuries.

That's likely not the best look for someone who has an opportunity like that.

- It was Calle Jarnrkok's first game of the pre-season. He played well with Matthew Knies and Minten on the third line. The 32-year-old had a couple of chances in the offensive zone, but couldn't find the back of the net.

- William Nylander scored two goals while playing on the wing. I doubt this changes anything in regards to him playing center. His first goal showcased his patience with the puck and his ability to know when it's the right time to shoot.

His second goal showed how good Nylander's shot is.

- Timothy Liljegren continues to look good in the pre-season. Toronto is looking for him to take a step this season and I believe it will happen with the way he's started this year.

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