The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Boston Bruins 4-2 on Tuesday, winning a game for the first time in their last four attempts and breaking a three-game losing skid.
Shortly after, on Wednesday morning, Toronto made yet another change in their goalie rotation following a brief emergency call-up stemming from the weekend's developments.
The Leafs announced that backup netminder Dennis Hildeby has been reassigned to the Toronto Marlies following the win over Boston, ending his short stint with the NHL squad after being recalled on an emergency basis on Monday.
Hildeby’s call-up came after starting goalie Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat by a puck during warmups ahead of Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators.
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
With Stolarz unavailable and facing an uncertain situation, Toronto decided to recall Hildeby in order to add some much-needed depth until knowing more about the starter's status.
Stolarz, however, returned quickly from his scare and made his first start since the incident in Tuesday’s win over the Bruins while sporting a neck guard to prevent a setback and further damage to the area.
“It’s fine,” Stolarz said after the game. “I’ve worn it growing up. It’s a little annoying, but you’re so dialed in that you don’t really notice it too much.”
Stolarz’s return provided stability in the Leafs net, with the goalie making 18 saves against Boston. He improved to a 9-9-3 record on the season with a 3.27 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.
Hildeby, meanwhile, returns to the AHL having appeared in 19 games with the Maple Leafs this season, posting a .912 SV% and a 2.84 GAA.
Toronto now turns its focus to the second half of a back-to-back, with a matchup against the New York Rangers scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
