Leafs forward Pontus Holmberg Shows Some Spine, Drops the Gloves with Cole Reinhardt
Maple Leafs Pontus Holmberg may not be a fighter, but he showed on Tuesday that he's not afraid to mix it up during a fight with Ottawa's Cole Reinhardt.
Whenever the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators face off, it's always a fierce encounter, a rivalry that has persisted since the Senators' inaugural season back in 1992. Tuesday's game was no exception, as things got chippy even in the pre-season.
After Holmberg delivered a questionable hit on Ridly Greig, he was compelled to answer the bell against Cole Reinhardt of the Senators.
If you'll recall, Grieg was the player who took a slap shot at an empty net last year, which led to Morgan Rielly's five-game suspension last February.
Holmberg is not known for his fighting ability, as he had never recorded a fighting major prior to this game and has amassed a total of 36 penalty minutes in 91 NHL games. Nevertheless, he held his own during the tilt as he looked like he gained some strength this offseason.
While Holmberg was a mainstay in the Maple Leafs lineup last season, often playing as the third-line centre, this year presents a greater challenge for him due to increased competition among a crowded forward group.
During this time of the year, guys are a little more willing to do things that they're not typically known for in an attempt to put themselves on the coaching staff's radar. Such is the case with Holmberg, who may feel as though his job is a little less secure under a brand new coaching staff in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 1090 ANSWERS Leafs forward Pontus Holmberg Shows Some Spine, Drops the Gloves with Cole Reinhardt Will Pontus Homberg make the Maple Leafs out of camp? | ||
| Yes | 658 | 60.4 % |
| No | 432 | 39.6 % |
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