Leafs Rookie Netminder Dennis Hildeby Shares His Thoughts on Empty-Net Goal Attempt

The Leafs have dealt with a tremendous amount of injury trouble thus far in 2024-25, most recently losing starting goalie Anthony Stolarz to a lower-body injury.

Stolarz was placed on injured reserve after being injured on Thursday, which forced the Leafs to recall Hildeby from the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

At the time of his recall, head coach Craig Berube wasn't sure if the Swede would play on Sunday, but ultimately decided to give Joseph Woll the night off after a busy Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Hildeby's start to the game wasn't great as the Leafs fell behind 2-0 less than 5 minutes into the first period. Once the Sabres went up 3-1, however, the Leafs and the towering 6'7 netminder turned their game around.

After John Tavares recorded his third goal of the night into the empty net, the Sabres continued to play with Devon Levi on the bench and with 1:45 on the clock, Hildeby stopped a Sabres dump in behind the net.

After a quick glance from Hildeby, he recognized that he had an opportunity to shoot for the empty net, albeit from a very tight angle behind his own cage. He launched the puck in the air, clearing everyone but Sabres forward JJ Peterka, who managed to knock it down at the Sabres' blueline, likely saving a goal.

Hildeby was asked about the attempt post-game and he noted that it wasn't the first time he has attempted to score.

Although it was a rough start, Hildeby managed to pick up the win in his home debut for the Leafs, stopping 24 of 27 shots and giving Woll a much-needed break before they take on the high-powered Dallas Stars on Wednesday.