Photo: Bildbyrån
It was an immediate success for Dennis Hildeby in the goal for Toronto in his NHL debut.
4-2 win against New Jersey away and 23 saves.
– There were a lot of emotions, says 23-year-old Hildeby, who previously played in the farming league, to the league’s website.
Toronto Maple Leafs projected first goaltender Joseph Woll was injured before the away game against the New Jersey Devils. Then got the Swedish doll Dennis Hildeby23, the chance to guard the till. As he did!
Hildeby stole the show
The second goal was Swedish Jacob Markström34, who switched from the Calgary Flames to the New Jersey Devils before the season. The idea was that he would get the chance to introduce himself to his new home fans after two straight wins, and an aspirant for “Save of the Year”, against the Buffalo Sabres.
Instead, it was a relatively unknown 23-year-old from the association Linden in Eskilstuna who stole the show. He has previously represented both Timrå and Färjestad, but mostly played in the AHL since the move to North America.
– I tried to enjoy as much as possible but it was a bit back and forth, says Hildeby after the 4-2 victory.
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Received praise from the coach
His coach Craig Berube had nothing but praise after the fine first effort for Toronto.
– Hildeby played stable. I think he made some really good saves. I am very happy for him, says Berube and states that the debutant was really put to the test, a test that he passed
To Sportbladet, Toronto’s new goalkeeper star says:
– I have dreamed of this since I was eight years old and started playing hockey. So it really was a dream come true and it’s a sick feeling. I tried to look at it like any match. That’s the best thing about this, that nothing in itself changes just because you play in the NHL. I just have to keep doing the things that got me here. Then it’s easy to say that in theory, but I’m happy with how I managed my mental game today.
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So much fun to see a new Swede excel in the NHL. Great job Dennis, you will surely get more chances after this.
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