Maple Leafs go an unexpected direction in net despite no back-to-back

The Toronto Maple Leafs make a shift in net ahead of tonight's game vs the Flyers, apparently deciding to go with Dennis Hildeby in net, giving Joseph Woll a break after four consecutive starts for Woll.

The starting goalie in Leafs practice, Hildeby is expected to be the team's starter tonight against the Flyers, getting his first big look of the year.

Hildeby makes his first start since Dec. 28th, and his first appearance since Jan. 1st, getting the start against Philadelphia tonight, having a 1-0-0 record against the Flyers in his career.

The 24-year-old has a 2.82 GAA and a .914 SV% in 15 games played this season for the Leafs, having been given more time in Toronto's net after injuries to Stolarz and Woll allowed him to become the starter, with Hildeby having stuck as the backup with Stolarz out.

The start of Hildeby could set Woll to return to the crease as the Leafs starter in their next game Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.

Starting Hildeby gives Woll some necessary rest after four straight games, while giving Hildeby a deserving start in net.

The Leafs will be careful not to overwork Woll, not playing him too much as they had done with both Woll and Stolarz earlier in the season back when they were the only options between each other in net.

Despite being a rookie, Hildeby has emerged as one of the NHL's top backups halfway into the season and has made a serious case for being NHL ready.

In the Flyers end, Dan Vladar is the projected starter for Philadelphia. Vladar has a 16-6-3 record on the season with a 2.37 GAA and a .910 SV%.

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