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sports1d ago
The Maple Leafs’ rapid turnaround has been fuelled by one thing: Goaltending
- Dennis Hildeby earned his first NHL shutout, stopping 29 shots against the Lightning and lifting the Leafs in a pivotal win.
- Hildeby stepped in as starter amid injuries to Woll and Stolarz, becoming a key fill-in for the Leafs.
- In the recent stretch, Toronto’s goaltending has powered a stout team save percentage and five-on-five excellence.
- Woll’s return from leave and Hildeby’s performance have provided stability during a period of early-season drama.
- Coach Craig Berube credited the team’s tighter, more effective hockey and goaltending as the primary reason for the turnaround.
- Hildeby is 24 years old and tall, noted as the tallest goalie in the NHL this season with a calm, humorous presence in the locker room.
- The Leafs have climbed back into playoff contention, trailing the Lightning by only two points for the Atlantic Division lead.
- Hildeby credited his approach of trusting his ability and staying calm in net as part of his success.
- The Leafs were previously 26th in team save percentage before Woll’s season debut and Hildeby’s emergence.
- Hildeby’s first NHL shutout followed several weeks of interim success as Woll and Stolarz recovered from injuries.
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