Hildeby Starts Season Opener Against Hurricanes; Stolarz ‘Overworked’ Says Berube
Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender Dennis Hildeby is set to make his first start of the season. He will face off against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. This follows his relief appearance in Saturday’s match against the Boston Bruins.
Hildeby’s Previous Performance
In his brief stint against the Bruins, Hildeby replaced Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz was pulled after allowing four goals on just 19 shots. Hildeby entered the game during the second period and managed to stop 19 of 20 shots, demonstrating composure under pressure.
Coach’s Confidence
Head coach Craig Berube praised Hildeby’s performance. He noted, “He was calm in net. He covered a lot of the net and did what we needed him to do.” This affirmation indicates the coach’s confidence in Hildeby as he prepares for a more prominent role.
Stolarz’s Situation
Anthony Stolarz has struggled this season, starting 12 of the team’s 15 games. Currently, he has a record of 6-5-1, with a save percentage of .889 and a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.35. These statistics mark a significant decline from last season, where he recorded a GAA of 2.14 and a .926 save percentage.
Workload Concerns
Berube acknowledged that Stolarz has been “overworked.” The coach did not provide a timeline for Stolarz’s return, indicating the need for a balanced approach moving forward.
Team Adjustments
As the Maple Leafs prepare for the game against the Hurricanes, they face other challenges as well. Forward Scott Laughton is sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained during Saturday’s match. Berube stated that he is unsure how long Laughton will be out of the lineup.
Lineup Decisions
The coach mentioned that final lineup decisions would be made after warm-ups. Calle Jarnkrok and Sammy Blais are currently listed as extra forwards on the team roster.
Upcoming Matchup
As Dennis Hildeby makes his eighth NHL appearance, all eyes will be on how the Maple Leafs perform against the Hurricanes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the young goaltender can deliver a strong performance.
