The Maple Leafs went to the size XXL rack again for Wednesday’s starting goaltender.
The 6-foot-7 Dennis Hildeby will suit up for the game against Columbus Blue Jackets, his fifth start this season and first since his mates sleepwalked through a 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month.
On the year, Hildeby record is 3-2 with a save percentage of .891.
Coach Craig Berube determined Joseph Woll needed more of a rest after keeping him out of Tuesday’s practice after facing 30 shots in a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay.
“Woll’s had a lot of work (with Anthony Stolarz recovering from minor knee surgery), a lot of emotional games,” Berube said. “With the schedule (12 games this month already, counting Columbus), time for Hildeby to get in there.”
Stolarz has been skating on his own, but it’s unclear if the Leafs use him at least once before the two-week 4 Nations Face-Off break starts on Feb. 9, a chance for further recovery.
Hildeby, the 6-foot-6 Stolarz and 6-foot-3 Woll are the largest trio of goalies the Leafs have ever rolled out.
“I think it’s good, those (bleeping) giants,” defenceman Simon Benoit said with a laugh. “It just makes it harder for the other team to score against us.
“They can see over my shoulders and I’m 6-foot-3, so it’s good.”
Winger Steven Lorentz concurred.
“I’m usually one of the taller guys on the team, then you’re looking up in the paint at these guys. It gives you a sense (of security), that this guy is taking up a lot of net. (Hildeby) is not just taking up space, he moves laterally really well and his rebound control is good.
“We have great goalie depth. Woller isn’t the tallest, but he seems to be an athletic freak, too. We’re pretty blessed.”
The quiet, reserved Swede Hildeby, a 2022 draft pick, is slowly coming out of his shell.
“You come in, he’s the first guy in the gym, working his butt off,” Lorentz said. “He’s always smiling, just happy to be here. Good to see a young guy come in the league and do all the right things.
“All the Swedes are nice guys. It must be something in the water.”
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