Projected Maple Leafs lineup vs. Canadiens with Dennis Hildeby leading a rookie goalie tandem
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs go with an all rookie tandem against the Montreal Canadiens as the team provides an update on Joseph Woll.
The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the rival Montreal Canadiens without their two main goalies as Anthony Stolarz is away from the team and Joseph Woll remains out, with his return up in the air, but not coming soon.
Woll was injured in Toronto's 4-1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday, not returning for the third period after being seen visibly dealing with discomfort in his leg area, ruled out with a lower-body injury, the Leafs announced.
Not having an update after the game on Thursday, Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters that Woll is expected to be out week-to-week, being placed on injured reserve, which will have the Leafs without Woll for at least a week.
In the meantime, Dennis Hildeby will continue in the lineup after playing in relief for the third period Thursday. Toronto recalled another rookie goaltender in Artur Akhtyamov from the AHL Toronto Marlies earlier today.
In 12 games this season with the Marlies, Akhtyamov has a 7-5-0 record with a 3.04 GAA and a .896%, taking the leading role after Hildeby's recall.
Now, without their two main starting goalies, the Toronto Maple Leafs resurgence to claw their way back into the playoff picture for now rests on the shoulders of two rookies battling in net.
How the Maple Leafs' forward lines and defence pairs are expected to look vs the Canadiens
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be relying on an inexperienced net presence, but will be returning to the same look lineup as the past few games, a grouping that Craig Berube has said is working.
Toronto Maple Leafs projected lines vs Montreal
Forwards
Knies - Matthews - Domi
Cowan - Tavares - Nylander
Joshua - Roy - McMann
Lorentz - Laughton - Robertson
Cowan - Tavares - Nylander
Joshua - Roy - McMann
Lorentz - Laughton - Robertson
Defenders
Rielly - Ekman Larsson
McCabe - Stetcher
Benoit - Myers
McCabe - Stetcher
Benoit - Myers
Goaltenders
Hildeby (Starter)
Akhtyamov
Akhtyamov
These are practice lines, with the potential of changes within the lineup closer to game-time, whether in event of a lineup decision or sudden injury.
Why tonight is Dennis Hildeby's real audition in the Maple Leafs net
It's not the first time that Dennis Hildeby has gotten a start for Toronto, but this start may be the sign of big beginnings for the 24-year-old netminder.
Hildeby has already appeared in seven games this season for Toronto, with a highly respectable 2.86 GAA and .919 SV% so far, but tonight's game could be a major test for Hildeby without Stolarz and Woll.
Out of nowhere being forced to take the reins in the Leafs net, Hildeby will have to prove himself for at least a week as the man in charge of the crease, and will be battling his fellow rookie Akhtyamov on the big stage.
The move is also a test long-term for Hildeby to show what he can do in charge of the Leafs net not just to prove he can be an NHLer, but a clear future option for the Leafs more than a possible talented prospect.
In rocky waters for Toronto, Dennis Hildeby being able to be an anchor for the team will only do wonders for his stock, and be able to prove now that he's gotten his chance that he's able to be an NHL goaltender.
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