Instant Reaction: Dennis Hildeby shines, records 1st NHL shutout in 2-0 win over Lightning
‘The Hildebeast’ was once again the story, stopping all 29 Tampa Bay Lightning shots he faced for his first NHL shutout. Hildeby showed off his entire tool box against the Bolts and set the tone early on with 15 saves in the first period. The rest was history as Hildeby continued to look like someone who doesn’t want to be an injury stop-gap, and wants to battle for starts regardless of who is available.
Morgan Rielly opened the scoring late in the first period, displaying a strong second effort. Rielly jumped on a loose puck, failed on the first shot attempt, and eventually ended up on his stomach sliding it in the net on his backhand. This was Rielly’s fifth goal of the season, and the Leafs will take as much offence from their blueline as possible:
Rielly tucks it in!!!!!
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There was a wild sequence early in the third period, and it all started when Lightning forward Gage Goncalves was given a game misconduct for kneeing Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis. Seconds later, Bobby McMann was assessed a match penalty for slashing Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand across the head in the scrum that followed. McMann wasn’t happy about the cross check he received and took exception. This wasn’t one of McMann’s best moments with the Leafs and he’ll likely be hearing from the league:
Subsequently, Bobby McMann received a match penalty for this slash on Oliver Bjorkstrand 😳
Gage Goncalves received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing on Dakota Mermis
William Nylander didn’t record a shot on net and hasn’t recorded a point in his last four games. Calle Jarnkrok dressed instead of Nick Robertson and played just over 10 minutes, and recorded one shot on net.
The Maple Leafs continue their five-game homestand when the San Jose Sharks come to town on Thursday. After another solid defensive effort and stellar performance from Hildeby, we’ll wait to see if they can slow down Macklin Celebrini and company.