Hildeby Set for Season Debut Against Hurricanes as Berube Calls Stolarz Overworked
Dennis Hildeby is poised to make his season debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they face the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. This follows a relief appearance during Saturday’s loss to the Boston Bruins.
Overworked Stolarz Gets a Break
Maple Leafs’ head coach Craig Berube noted that Anthony Stolarz has been “overworked.” Stolarz has started 12 of the team’s 15 games this season, holding a record of 6-5-1. His statistics include an .889 save percentage and a 3.35 goals-against average, both significantly lower than last season’s impressive .926 save percentage and 2.14 goals-against average.
- Stolarz’s Record: 6-5-1
- GAA: 3.35
- Save Percentage: .889
- Previous Season GAA: 2.14
- Previous Season Save Percentage: .926
At 32 years old, Stolarz has yet to start more than half of his team’s games across his nine seasons in the NHL.
Hildeby’s Performance Under Pressure
Hildeby, a 24-year-old Swedish goalie, stepped in during the second period against Boston after Stolarz allowed four goals on 19 shots. In his performance, Hildeby conceded just one goal on 20 shots. Berube praised his composure, stating, “He was calm. He was big in net.” The coach remarked that Hildeby performed admirably despite the challenging circumstances.
Scott Laughton’s Injury Update
There is currently no timeline for the return of forward Scott Laughton, who sustained an upper-body injury during Saturday’s game. Berube indicated that the team’s lineup against the Hurricanes will be finalized only after warm-ups.
- Injury: Upper-body
- Forward Scott Laughton: Out indefinitely
Calle Jarnkrok and Sammy Blais are currently the extra forwards on the Maple Leafs’ roster as they prepare to face the Hurricanes.
