Craig Berube Finally Names His Starter for Tonight After Yesterday's Uncertainty
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has named who is patrolling the crease for the team as they take on the Hurricanes amidst some goalie struggles.
After Anthony Stolarz was pulled from the game against Boston, it immediately started the debate as to if Toronto's goaltending was as strong as it initially seemed, though the absence of Joseph Woll and lack of proper backup goaltending has definitely hurt them.
Going into a back-to-back, Craig Berube has a lot of decisions to make. Does he trust Stolarz enough to give it a go again? Does Dennis Hildeby find his way in?
Why Berube Hesitated to Name a Starter Yesterday
For the coach, he's holding his cards close to his chest and is undecided as to who will start for the team.
Speaking after yesterday's game, and pressed about Sunday's starter, Berube was quick to shutdown any further questions and that answer will come in time:
I don't know. That's a tomorrow decision. We'll see.
For what it's worth, it wasn't completely the goaltender's fault as the defense had some seriously bad mental errors that led to Boston scoring.
Hildeby was great in relief, although got burned by former teammate Fraser Minten at the end of the game. Stolarz is unquestionably the #1 and deserves a chance for redemption, but it's hard to just ignore Saturday night.
What Tonight's Choice Says About the Leafs' Goaltending Plan
it seems like it will be Dennis Hildeby who gets the call tonight, as Berube has decided to give the youngster his first start this season and give Anthony Stolarz a mental and physical reset:
Stollie's been obviously overworked, we all know that, & give him a break tonight.
It makes sense for Berube to start Hildeby, as Stolarz would have been making his 13th start already this season and it's obvious he has been weighed down a bit by not having Joseph Woll back him up.
Hildeby came into the game on Saturday night in relief of Stolarz, and gave up one goal one 20 shots; a solid effort.
The Maple Leafs need Hildeby to weather the storm (no pun intended) vs. the Hurricanes, who aren't going to give the towering goalie any leeway; so Toronto's defense needs to be on their toes too.
For his career, Hildeby has a 3-3-0 record with a 3.20 GAA and .881 SV% and made his NHL debut last season.
He'll get a chance to show Craig Berube he was right to trust him as the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes are set to do battle at 7pm ET.
Though if he falters then the real question becomes: How can Toronto stop the bleeding before it's too late?
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 9 | 1287 ANSWERS Craig Berube Finally Names His Starter for Tonight After Yesterday's Uncertainty Do you think starting Dennis Hildeby was the right decision from the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 1025 | 79.6 % |
| No | 262 | 20.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
