Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Dennis Hildeby has now been thrust into the spotlight following Joseph Woll’s untimely injury. Hildeby has been up and down between the NHL and AHL over his short career.
But this time around, injuries could have opened the door for Hildeby to get a solid opportunity to show he’s the real deal.
Hildeby came in relief of Woll on Thursday night in Carolina. He stopped all nine Hurricanes’ shots, helping preserve the Maple Leafs’ lead. The club went on to win 5-1.
With Woll’s status uncertain and Anthony Stolarz away from public view, it seems that the Maple Leafs’ season rests on Hildeby. The 24-year-old has played all of 13 games in his career, seven of which have come this season. While he has just one win to his credit, he’s played much better than that. The Swedish netminder has registered a 2.86 GAA and a .919 SV%. Those numbers are just fine, as long as the Maple Leafs played solid defense in front of him.
Therein lies the issue. As long as Toronto can keep high-danger chances reasonably low, Hildeby should have a chance to succeed. The turnaround seen in the last five games or so could be indicative of a positive trend.
So, Dennis Hildeby’s success will ultimately come down to the team in front of him. If they play responsible defense, he should thrive. If the club leaves him out to dry, the results will speak for themselves.
No one is asking Hildeby to become the Maple Leafs’ savior. Provided he can deliver average to above-average goaltending, Toronto should have a chance to continue its resurgence.
Maple Leafs Must Keep High-Danger Shots Down
There is one bright spot in the Maple Leafs’ defensive game this season. The club has allowed the eighth-fewest high danger shots in the league this season, MoneyPuck shows. The Leafs have surrendered 57 high-danger shots, while allowing 177 medium-danger ones.
That’s a trend that must continue. The team cannot allow high-danger shots to get out of control. Doing so would put Hildeby in a tough spot. He’ll have to make more than his fair share of though saves. Naturally, that’s something that Craig Berube will want to make sure doesn’t happen.
If the Maple Leafs can continue avoiding high-danger chances against, keeping the puck out of the net should be much easier.
Toronto Must Continue Another Crucial Defensive Trend
There is another crucial defensive trend the Maple Leafs must continue. The club is third in the NHL in blocked shots. In total, the Leafs have blocked 402 shots this season. Only the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild have blocked more.
That trend is one the Maple Leafs cannot allow to go unnoticed. The team needs to avoid as many shots getting through as possible. It’s a tough way to make a living, but it’s one that sets up goalies for success.
In this situation, it’s a great way to give Dennis Hildeby a fighting chance. Since the young Swede will likely be the guy for the foreseeable future, the Leafs must be at their defensive best.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Maple Leafs rookie goalie faces biggest opportunity of career appeared first on Heavy Sports.