Dennis Hildeby shines in winner-take-all Game 3, Marlies advance to face Laval Rocket

Led by goaltender Dennis Hildeby, the Toronto Marlies defeated the Rochester Americans 4-2, advancing to the North Division Semifinals against the Laval Rocket. 

After starting Artur Akhtyamov over the series’ opening two games, the Marlies turned to Hildeby for the first time since April 18. Hildeby rewarded the decision by turning aside 29-of-31 shots in the victory. Thrown into an elimination game is no easy task, but Hildeby stood tall, stopping all nine shots the Americans threw his way during their third-period push.

“You want to come out and give a good performance in such an important game. I just tried to put all of that aside, and nothing really changes,” Hildeby said. “It’s a little different, but I just keep reminding myself that there’s a different importance of the game, but the way I play doesn’t change. I just try to stick to my routine and my basics.” 

Hildeby bounced between the NHL and AHL this season, appearing in 20 games with the Maple Leafs and 23 with the Marlies. At the NHL level, Hildeby posted a record of 5-7-4 with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. In September, the 24-year-old signed a three-year extension worth $841,667 annually, and will be waiver-exempt next year, giving the next Maple Leafs management a decision to make in the crease this summer. 

Given where the Maple Leafs found themselves this season, many Marlies skaters had the opportunity to see time at the NHL level. Ryan Tverberg and William Villeneuve made an impact in Game 3, with each of them picking up goals in the contest. Both players went pointless over their brief stints at the NHL level but figure to have an opportunity to compete for spots when Maple Leafs training camp opens prior to next season. 

Tverberg opened the game’s scoring, continuing what has been his best season at the professional level to this point in his career. Through 63 games with the Marlies, the 2020 seventh-round draft pick recorded 15 goals and 21 assists, setting a new career high with 36 points. Tverberg spoke to the media post-game about what it meant to secure his first professional playoff goal and win a series on the same night. 

“It was definitely nice to get that and keep moving forward. As for the team, it’s nice to get another series and keep doing what we do. Playoff hockey is a little stronger, a little more intense, and it just means a little bit more,” Tverberg said. “We played a lot smarter, stayed above them a lot more, and we’re able to shut a lot more things down against them.” 

The Marlies had success against the Rocket during the 2025-26 regular season, posting a 5-2-1 record, including a two-game weekend sweep to close out the regular season on April 18-19. Tverberg spoke about the upcoming series set to begin on Wednesday, April 29. 

“They are a good team. We know they are going to be strong and intense against us, but it should be a good battle,” Tverberg said.