'He Likes The Moment': Maple Leafs Prospect Dennis Hildeby Sets Marlies Record for Most Wins in Season by Rookie Goaltender
Hildeby stopped 36 of 37 shots against Utica on Saturday to reach the feat.
Dennis Hildeby is now in the record books for the Toronto Marlies.
The 22-year-old netminder secured his 20th win of the season on Saturday against the Utica Comets, a new Marlies record for wins in a season by a rookie goaltender.
The goaltender who held the record before Hildeby was Justin Pogge, who had 19 wins during his rookie season in 2006-07. Hildeby has 20 wins in 38 games this season while posting a .911 save percentage, the sixth-best among the league's rookie goaltenders.
"He’s been really good the last few games here for us. It's been a long year for him. He's played a lot of hockey, it being his first year," Marlies head coach John Gruden said on Saturday.
"It's a lot to ask from a rookie goaltender. He's answered the bell. He likes the moment. He was obviously outstanding for us tonight, which was huge."
Hildeby has secured seven wins through his last 10 games, which is a solid run. However, he doesn't believe his play is where it needs to at this point in time.
"To be completely honest with you I think my game has been inconsistent, especially the last month or two. So, I don't really know how to answer," he said following the game on Saturday.
"I think over a long season, it's very important to take it day by day. Enjoy the ride and don't think too far ahead, think about the past too much. That's a learning process too, which I've gotten better at."
Hildeby joined the Marlies for two games last season before joining the team full-time in October. Toronto drafted him in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. The Maple Leafs signed him to a three-year, entry-level deal, carrying an annual average value of $843,330 on July 13, 2022.
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