TORONTO — Justin Holl originally expected to have Wednesday off. He was sure glad he played.
Holl scored in his NHL debut and Travis Dermott got his first goal in his ninth career game, leading the Maple Leafs to a 5-0 victory over the Islanders.
“It’s almost surreal,” Holl said. “You’re like ‘Wait did that really happen?’ And you’re like, ‘Nice, it did.’ ”
The 26-year-old joined the Toronto organization on an AHL contract in 2015-16 before earning a two-way deal last season. He played in 239 minor league games.
Thomas Greiss stopped 45 shots for the Islanders (25-22-5), who also lost, 4-1, at home to Florida on Tuesday.
“Just really unacceptable the level we’re playing at,” Isalanders captain John Tavares said. “Not going to win too many … the way we’ve played the last couple nights.”
Kasperi Kapanen, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner also scored for the Maple Leafs (29-18-5), who scored twice in each of the first two periods. Frederik Andersen made 28 saves for his fourth shutout of the season.
“When you play a fast team like that it’s always a challenge,” Islanders coach Doug Weight said.