Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe spoke after the game about what impressed him about Hildeby, who started the year buried on the team’s depth chart behind Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll and Cayden Primeau.
“He’s had to deal with the boys a lot this year due to injuries and he’s feeling a little more comfortable now,” McCabe said of Hildeby. “He’s also great with the puck. That’s a big thing I see with goaltending, when they get more comfortable you can see it in their puck play and just adding an extra layer of confidence for him, he’s been rock solid.”
Over the Leafs’ last five games, the team has allowed no more than two goals, a stark contrast to some of the team’s defensive displays early in the year. The improved defensive play has led to four wins over the past five games, and now the Maple Leafs are one point behind the Montreal Canadiens for third place in the Atlantic Division. McCabe shared after the win what he believed was the reason behind the better team defense.
“I think it’s just a little bit more of a commitment to winning the middle of the ice and creating counter pressure in our gaps,” McCabe said. “Early in the season I felt like we were giving up way too many odd-man rushes, which put a lot of pressure on our defense and goaltending and put us behind the eight ball a lot of nights.”
The Leafs will look to make it two straight wins when they host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.
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