The Toronto Maple Leafs ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. The game-winner came off the stick of John Tavares, who scored his 499th career goal, while Tage Thompson netted two of his own. Two main stories emerged from the victory. One, William Nylander was a late scratch, who was replaced by Nick Robertson on the top line.
The other – Anthony Stolarz was scratched and Dennis Hildeby served as the backup to Cayden Primeau for the Saturday tilt. Hildeby was returned to the Toronto Marlies on Sunday morning, but what was the purpose of calling him up in the first place?
Maple Leafs Call up AHL Goalie, Dennis Hildeby
Saturday night was the second half of a back-to-back with the Sabres. After Stolarz tending the net on Friday night, the team elected to go with Primeau for Saturday night.
When Toronto recalled Hildeby, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed the reasoning for the move.
“Rest day for Stolarz….Hildeby backs up Primeau,” Friedman wrote in a social media post on X.
David Alter of The Hockey News also chimed in on the transaction, “Dennis Hildeby called up to back up Primeau and give Stolarz a rest.”
Why Did Stolarz Not Dress as the Backup?
GettyWhat’s up with the Maple Leafs musical chairs in net?
Contrary to popular belief, the role of the backup goaltender is not a restful one. It’s a position filled with uncertainty and mental strain. That’s often why the most successful backup netminders are masters of having a positive attitude.
“Most people probably don’t understand how difficult it is – mentally, emotionally, physically – to master the career-backup role,” Adam Francilia said to The Score in 2023.
When a goalie is serving as a backup they must be mentally prepared to play at any moment. Even though they are sitting on a bench, being mentally prepared means that they are watching the game, observing tendencies, and seeing how they can give helpful advice to their partner in net.
Prior to Saturday’s game, Stolarz had played four games in nine days.
Until recently, Joseph Woll was still on leave, causing Toronto to lean more heavily on Stolarz. The original plan for that four game stretch may have been an even 2-2 split if Woll were dressed and with the team.
Joseph Woll’s Return is Music to Stolarz’s Ears
GettyDo the Maple Leafs need to acquire a replacement for Joseph Woll?
Woll returned to skating on Saturday. It was the first time he hit the ice since training camp. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube shared his thoughts on having him back in the fold.
“It was great to have him back,” Berube said to the media after morning skate on October 25. “He’s excited to be back. We’re excited too. It was great to see him on the ice today.”
At the time of this writing, there is no publiclly known plan for when Woll will return to the crease.
The Maple Leafs only have two games over the next six days to close out October, a back-to-back against the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s reasonable to expect that Woll will take the rest of the month to shake off some rust before getting into game action sometime in November.
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