Dennis Hildeby is on a real heater for the Toronto Marlies since being sent back to the AHL, showcasing why he's the best goalie prospect in the Maple Leafs organization.
With both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll having missed time this season due to injury, we've seen 4 goaltenders play games for the Leafs this season.
While Anthony Stolarz has been the clear cut cream of the crop, Joseph Woll has also had his moments of brilliance, stealing the occasional game for the Leafs.
Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby have also won games for the Leafs this season, but during their NHL call-ups, neither has given the Leafs a reason to want to keep them up in the show. However, both have excelled with the Marlies.
After posting a .970 SV% across a 4-game win streak a couple of weeks back, the Leafs recalled Matt Murray from the Marlies, and sent Hildeby back down to the AHL to get more starts and continue with his development.
Since his demotion, Hildeby has rediscovered his game, having now posted 3 consecutive wins to end the month of January, posting a .950 SV% in a victory last night against the San Diego Gulls.
Hildeby has posted a cumulative .911 SV% during his most recent 3-game run, which has now put him at 5 straight wins for the Marlies, dating back to December 26th. His .950 SV% and the win last night brings his stat line on the season to 7-2-2 with a 2.39 GAA and a .914 SV%.
As Stolarz continues to trend towards an imminent return, Murray and Hildeby are expected to be reunited with the Marlies, where they'll continue to challenge one another for starts.
If both keep playing the way they have in the American league, it's going to make the next NHL recall a difficult decision for the Leafs. In the meantime, the Marlies, I'm sure, will enjoy the run of hot goaltending they've been getting of late.
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