Dennis Hildeby was a monster in goal, recording his first NHL shutout and leading Toronto past Atlantic Division-rival Tampa Bay 2-0, Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.
With the return of goalies Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll still uncertain, reserve net-minder Hildeby was back between the pipes, starting his second consecutive game. The 6’7” Swede did not disappoint, stopping all 29 Tampa shots, 15 coming in the first period.
His stellar effort was much needed as his Maple Leafs teammates had trouble generating offense. Toronto did, however, manage to take the lead at the 16:26 mark of the first. Morgan Reilly filled the slot, and with Tampa Bay’s Jake Guentzel draped on top of him, slid home an Easton Cowan pass by Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson.
Toronto maintained its 1-0 advantage throughout a defensive-focused second period. Then played rope-a-dope in the third, sacrificing offense in an effort to hold onto their slim lead. With time winding down and the Tampa Bay goal empty, the Leafs survived a near goal off a Brayden Point tip-in.
Auston Matthews hit the empty net from long range with under a second to go to secure the victory, 2-0.
Next up are the Sharks, Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena.
