Recalled/Assigned: Justin Holl back to the Marlies

[Buds17]

A first game to remember. Great to see.

 

[htpwn]

Holl is one of those guys who you want to see stick. 26-years-old, unsigned out of college by the team that drafted him, started in the ECHL, and has now got his chance to play the NHL. He looked good tonight and looks like he may get in tomorrow too. Here's hoping he can keep it up.

 

[Jackothy]

This definitely isn't just because of the number, but does anyone else think he has the same sort of stature as Phaneuf? I swear he's got that same sort of body type, looks a lot like Phaneuf the way he skates.

 

[Alexanderthe89]

He was really solid in his debut. It's not a stretch to say he's an improvement over Polak and Carrick.

 

[ottomaddox]

I didn't see much of the game tonight.

Is Holl's play going to make Babcock's life difficult in terms of Roster decisions?

What did you think of his play tonight?

 

[Guy Boucher]

6'3, good PKer, can pass the puck. Skating is an issue but hasn't looked out of place yet.

 

[Menzinger]

I didn't see much of the game tonight.

Is Holl's play going to make Babcock's life difficult in terms of Roster decisions?

What did you think of his play tonight?

He played well. Though he likely is sent down at this point from a contract management Pov, unless they trade Polak or something.

Hes probably a guy who could be a #6/7 tweener. Reliable when you need a fill in. Though with an extended look he may prove to be good enough for a more permanent bottom pairing role.

 

[Mr Hockey]

I didn't see much of the game tonight.

Is Holl's play going to make Babcock's life difficult in terms of Roster decisions?

What did you think of his play tonight?

Leafs have the same issues going on with the forwards, Babs will handle the D the same as the overflow with the forwards, I am guessing.

 

[firstemperor]

6'3, good PKer, can pass the puck. Skating is an issue but hasn't looked out of place yet.

He's not a bad skater at all, Bob Mac actually called him an "elite skater" moving forward during the intermission, which I was surprised at.

The biggest difference between him and Polak, among other reasons (or at least the most obvious) is he reads plays faster, and his first few strides moving are quite good for a bigger d-man.

 

[Mr Hockey]

6'3, good PKer, can pass the puck. Skating is an issue but hasn't looked out of place yet.

He is a pretty good skater,

 

[Bullseye]

He's not a bad skater at all, Bob Mac actually called him an "elite skater" moving forward during the intermission, which I was surprised at.

The biggest difference between him and Polak, among other reasons (or at least the most obvious) is he reads plays faster, and his first few strides moving are quite good for a bigger d-man.

If you compare him to both Carrick and Borgman going uphill - he's way faster and cleaner. Big mobile intelligent mature rookie. Nice option. So glad he got a look and produced spectacularly. This wasn't just an adequate 'survived the stint' thing - he came up scored in back to back shut-outs.

 

[Gabriel426]

IS he physical? bc I only watched the Islanders game and he is very solid in the Dzone, while his skating really impressed me.

 

[Bullseye]

IS he physical? bc I only watched the Islanders game and he is very solid in the Dzone, while his skating really impressed me.

I thought he checked his man fairly physically tonight. I was watching that because of the report someone posted about him being soft as being part of why he's never gotten a chance.

 

[Buds17]

Was wondering what he'd do for an encore? Set a couple of records, I guess. Doing well so far. RHD w/size should at least keep him in the plans for the time being.

 

[Prince N]

"Justin Holl became the first defenseman in Toronto Maple Leafs history and sixth in NHL history to score a goal in his first two games"

Instant inductee to the hall of fame

 

[DarkKnight]

The last D man to score in his first two NHL games only ended up played 7 in his entire career(TSN during the game)....just for some perspective. Great start, not quite pencilling him in yet.

 

[Gabriel426]

I thought he checked his man fairly physically tonight. I was watching that because of the report someone posted about him being soft as being part of why he's never gotten a chance.

Thats what I read too. Glad he has a physical side to his big frame.

 

[Gabriel426]

The last D man to score in his first two NHL games only ended up played 7 in his entire career(TSN during the game)....just for some perspective. Great start, not quite pencilling him in yet.

WEll he still has more goals than Duncan Keith this season, lol.

 

[BlueBaron]

Was his dad at this one? I know he missed Game 1.

 

[Gabriel426]

Was his dad at this one? I know he missed Game 1.

His dad was there.

 

[Prince N]

Dude is a stud. Cross our fingers and hope he turns out to be something good

 

[Jozay]

Was his dad at this one? I know he missed Game 1.

Yes

 

[BlueBaron]

His dad was there.

That explains the second goal. His Dad probably said he did not believe it and to prove he could do it while he was watching

 

[DavePoulin4PM]

Dude is a stud. Cross our fingers and hope he turns out to be something good

A stud...lol. The scrub is a 26 year old ,2nd round pick playing his first NHL game now. He's a career AHLer, who will most likely be playing in Europe within the next 2 years.

It's been a cute couple of games for him, but his NHL "career" will be ending shortly.

 

[Menzinger]

Babcock on Holl,

Quotes a little generic but does seem to suggest that if he keeps playing well he may have a chance with the big club.