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Pontus Holmberg forced to answer the bell after targeting Ridly Greig

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jay Tup | Last updated Sep 25, 2024 8:17 AM ET

Pontus Holmberg was forced to answer the bell after targeting Ridly Greig against Cole Reinhardt

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 vs. Cole Reinhardt pic.twitter.com/eeqpnscCCI
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) September 25, 2024

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 shorthanded goal late in the 3rd period.

The Maple Leafs fell to 0-1-1 on the preseason, dropping both games to the Senators.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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