Toronto Maple Leafs Demote Matt Murray After Struggles Against the Capitals

The journey of Matt Murray back to the NHL is one of the league's best stories about perseverance and the love of the game. He was victorious although shaky in game one, and it looked like Toronto had an answer while Anthony Stolarz is out.

Unfortunately for Murray, he struggled against the Washington Capitals and didn't look like he was fully comfortable to be back at the NHL level. It's no surprise the Maple Leafs demoted him back to the AHL; recalling Dennis Hildeby in response.

Murray went 1-1-0 with a 3.54 GAA and an .879 SV% in his two games with Toronto since returning.

Hildeby is back up again for another stint as Joseph Woll's backup, and the Swedish behemoth has also struggled this season, but with minimal options he's Toronto's best bet.

He is 2-1-0 with a 3.68 GAA and .875 SV% this season with the Maple Leafs.

This year the biggest change for the Maple Leafs has been their consistency in net. Thanks to Anthony Stolarz, the team had a definitive number one and he helped make sure the team had every chance to win on any given night.

But since he injured himself against Anaheim and he's going to miss about another month after getting a loose obstruction out of his knee; Toronto has been terrible in net.

Without Stolarz standing guard in net, it's been a nightmare to say the least. Joseph Woll this year has been good but struggled in recent games, Dennis Hildeby is touch and go regarding his readiness; Murray just got demoted and they can only really call up Artur Ahktyamov for a spin if they really needed to.

Other than that, there is no immediate fix for the team. GM Brad Treliving may need to take a look at who some available trade pieces are, especially if Woll continues to struggle. Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau just cleared waivers and while not a flashy option, could have done in a pinch.

Toronto will need to get their goaltending situation figured out as soon as possible, as they head into a January schedule that offers them no breathing room with another gauntlet of tough matchups.