3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' 2-0 preseason win vs Detroit Red Wings

The Toronto Maple Leafs shut out the Detroit Red Wings 2-0 on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Nicholas Robertson had two goals for the Leafs, including a beauty in the third period to give the Leafs some insurance in their preseason clash.

Max Pacioretty, who is in the Leafs’ camp on a PTO, notched two assists. Anthony Stolarz made 30 saves to secure the Toronto Maple Leafs win.

Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from the Maple Leafs' preseason win over the Red Wings on Thursday.

3 major takeaways from Toronto Maple Leafs' preseason win vs Detroit Red Wings

#3. Stolarz was rock solid

Stolarz got the call on Thursday night and did not disappoint. He stopped all 30 shots he faced, often needing to make some key saves on tough chances.

One particular save that stood out was in the first period. Stolarz robbed Vladimir Tarasenko in close range with an acrobatic glove save. Tarasenko had gotten behind the Leafs' defense, having more than enough time and space to rifle a shot to the top corner.

However, Stolarz shut the door, keeping the game scoreless at that point.

#2. The Leafs’ penalty kill got the job done

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ penalty kill was 4-for-4 on the night. The Red Wings didn’t have too many high-danger opportunities with the man advantage as the Leafs' penalty kill was able to keep them mostly to the outside.

It’s worth pointing out that the Leafs blocked 20 total shots to the Red Wings’ nine. That situation made a huge difference in keeping the game close. Moreover, the Leafs were able to avoid odd-man rushes, giving Stolarz plenty of time to make the saves he had to.

#1. Robertson was the game’s first star

Nick Robertson shined in the game. He scored his first goal of the game in the first period on the power play. He took a pass from Pacioretty, and with enough time, let go of a wicked wrist shot that beat Cam Talbot on the long side.

Then, Robertson scored a highlight-reel goal in the third period. The Leafs got a two-on-one rush in which Pacioretty slid the puck across to Robertson who cut up the middle and deked Talbot to put the puck home.

The two-goal showing comes on the heels of other significant performances from Robertson, cementing his place in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup. As it stands, Robertson figures to be on the third line with Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg at center with John Tavares out with a lower-body injury.

When Tavares comes back, the Leafs’ third line could be one of the best in the NHL.

The Maple Leafs will close out the preseason with another game against the Red Wings, this time at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.