Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby recorded the first shutout of his NHL career, and it comes with a cherished souvenir.

Hildeby made 29 saves against the Tampa Bay Lightning to preserve a crucial 2-0 victory. The 24-year-old is taking on a larger role with the Maple Leafs and is the de facto starting goaltender with Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz both sidelined due to injury.

“At the end of the day, it’s what I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing hockey, so you’ve just got to remind yourself of that and have a lot of fun, and just compete.” Hildeby said post-game.

Hildeby said his family is keeping up with the team’s results and he’s very happy about his performance, as he ought to be. The 24-year-old is beginning to take a major leap for the Maple Leafs, who are turning their season around through December. Hildeby now carries a .936 save percentage this season, and he saved 2.04 goals above expected in all situations during Monday’s win, via Natural Stat Trick. This is what the Maple Leafs envisioned, upon signing Hildeby to a three-year extension in September.

It’s clear that Hildeby’s teammates are thrilled with his continued development throughout the year.

“It’s great to see Beast get his first shutout. He played great,” Maple Leafs forward John Tavares said.

“I’m really happy for him when the opportunity comes, you want to seize it. Great to see him playing really well. We all have confidence in him. He’s a very quiet, easygoing dude who’s obviously really good in the net. We have to continue to do a good job in front of him, but he’s done phenomenal, coming in, giving us chances to win.”

“He’s very composed,” Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly said of Hildeby. “He works hard. He’s a routine guy, you learn that quickly. He’s got a nice way about him, he’s very focused. He’s done a great job coming in, and we’re very happy for him tonight.”

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