Last season the Battle of Ontario finally reached a level of intensity it hadn't seen in over a decade. When Morgan Rielly cross checked Ridly Greig after an empty net goal it immediately ratcheted up the intensity. Now fast forward two preseason games later and it appears that intensity isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
In the first period after falling behind on a play, Pontus Holmberg saw an opportunity to take a shot at Greig and he did just that. Holmberg grabbed Greig from behind and drug him directly to the ice. The blow left Greig stunned and he would leave the game and not return.
On the play Holmberg was given a two minute minor for roughing. However, the Senators didn't feel like that was enough and in the third period Holmberg was forced to answer the bell. Cole Reinhardt, the 24-year-old rookie tracked down Holmberg and forced the Maple Leafs center to drop the gloves.
Pontus Holmberg and Cole Reinhardt drop the gloves
Reinhardt is no stranger to the rough stuff, while Holmberg is a bit of a stranger. Holmberg was able to stand his ground, before losing a decision. The Maple Leafs would also fall to the Senators losing 2-1 on a short handed goal late in the 3rd period.
The Maple Leafs now fall to 0-1-1 on the preseason dropping both games to the Senators.
POLL | ||
24 SEPTEMBRE | 57 ANSWERS Pontus Holmberg forced to answer the bell after targeting Ridly Greig Who won the fight? | ||
Pontus Holmberg | 29 | 50.9 % |
Cole Reinhardt | 12 | 21.1 % |
Draw | 16 | 28.1 % |
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