He played on the power play and on the penalty kill and was asked to check one of the best scorers in the NHL.
Quite a debut for Leafs rookie defenceman Carl Gunnarsson, who likely isn't headed back to the farm any time soon.
Called up for depth with Mike Komisarek expected to be out for at least three weeks, Gunnarsson was thrown into the fire by Leafs coach Ron Wilson last night, logging 21 minutes and 18 seconds ice time in his debut.
"He looked like he was our best defenceman out there," said Wilson, who paired Gunnarsson with Luke Schenn and matched them with Calgary sniper Jarome Iginla. "He played very well, he had poise. If you play that well, you deserve (to stay up)."
Gunnarsson admitted he was nervous.
"You just put your nerves aside and fit into the costume," the Swede said. "I just tried to keep it simple, play the puck and not think too much."
