Leafs’ Jake McCabe praises Dennis Hildeby for improved confidence, puck play

For the second straight game, the Toronto Maple Leafs were outshot, relying on goaltender Dennis Hildeby to keep them in the game, with the offence struggling to produce goals. Hildeby was terrific overall, making 29 saves and the Maple Leafs held on for a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the first NHL shutout of the 24-year-old’s career. 

Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe spoke post-game about what impressed him about Hildeby, who started the year buried on the team’s depth chart behind Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll and Cayden Primeau

“He’s been around the fellas a lot this year with injuries and is just getting a little more comfortable,” McCabe said of Hildeby. “He’s great with the puck too, that’s one big thing I find with goaltending is when they get more comfortable, you can see it with their puck play too and just adding another layer of confidence for him, he’s been rock solid.”

Forced into the team’s starting role after injuries to Stolarz and Woll, Hildeby has given the Leafs two consecutive strong performances. 

During the Leafs’ past five games, the team hasn’t allowed greater than two goals, a stark contrast from some of the team’s defensive showings early in the year. The improved defensive play has led to four wins during their past five games, and now the Maple Leafs trail the Montreal Canadiens by one point for third place in the Atlantic Division. McCabe shared after the win what he thought the reason behind the better team defence was. 

“I think it’s just a bit more of a commitment to winning the middle of the ice and back pressure in our gaps,” McCabe said. “Early on in the season I felt like we were giving up way too many odd-man rushes, which put a lot of stress on us defence and goaltending and put us behind the eight-ball a lot of nights.”

The Leafs will look to make it two wins in a row when they host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.