Maple Leafs HC makes feelings known about Dennis Hildeby conceding 4 goals from 18 shots in 5-1 loss to Blue Jackets
The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered a tough 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. Goaltender Dennis Hildeby, in his first start since January 11, struggled, allowing four goals on 18 shots. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews provided the lone bright spot for the Maple Leafs, scoring their only goal.
Key Takeaways from the Loss:
1. Dennis Hildeby’s Struggles
Hildeby, filling in due to Anthony Stolarz’s knee injury, now holds a 3-3-0 record this season with a 3.18 goals-against average and a .878 save percentage in six games. After the game, Maple Leafs assistant coach Rocky Berube acknowledged Hildeby’s challenges:
> “He has to have the first one… He is trying to battle. I am not going to sit here and blame the goalie. It is a team game. We have to be better. We had to score some goals. We didn’t.”
Hildeby, reflecting on his increased time with the Leafs, remained optimistic despite the tough outing:
> “Every goalie in this league has done the same journey. It is challenging, but I absolutely love my time up here… I just try and take every day as it comes and enjoy it.”
2. Auston Matthews’ Analysis
Matthews, who scored his 20th goal of the season, tied Darryl Sittler for fourth-most 20-goal seasons in franchise history. However, he expressed frustration with the team’s power play:
> “There was maybe a little bit too much movement… We were a lot on the outside, not enough on the inside. Their goalie made some good saves, they blocked some shots. I thought we could have done a better job of one, two passes and try to deliver it.”
3. Adam Fantilli’s Dominance
Columbus’ rookie standout, Adam Fantilli, was the star of the game, completing his hat trick with an empty-net goal to secure the win.
What’s Next?
The Maple Leafs, now facing pressure to rebound, will take on the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. This game will be crucial to getting their season back on track, especially with Matthews and the team looking to refine their power play and tighten defensive play.
