The Toronto Marlies are set to face the Belleville Senators in a Boxing Day matinee at Scotiabank Arena, and all eyes are on Swedish goalie Dennis Hildeby. Hildeby, currently ranked second among AHL rookie goalies with an impressive .921 save percentage, is expected to start for Toronto. The move is prompted by concerns about the mental state of backup goalie Ilya Samsonov, who is filling in for Martin Jones while Joseph Woll recovers from a high ankle sprain.
The pressure is on Samsonov to perform, and he will likely be called upon by the Leafs for three games in four nights. The NHL holiday roster freeze is set to end late Wednesday night, adding urgency to the team’s goaltending situation. Hildeby, despite conceding four goals on 28 shots in a recent game against Belleville, remains a promising prospect, and his potential call-up to the big league could attract more attention and interest.
The situation with Samsonov’s fragile mental state adds an element of uncertainty to the Leafs’ goaltending scenario. As the team navigates this challenging period, the hope is that some family time during the holidays will provide a boost for Samsonov. He has expressed excitement about his parents visiting from Russia to see their grandchild, offering a potential source of support during this challenging time.
The article also takes a moment to remember the late Johnny Bower and his novelty record, “Honky the Christmas Goose.” Recorded in 1965 for charity, the record, featuring Bower and a kids’ choir, became a first for a Leafs player. Bower’s legacy as a jovial figure, often portraying Santa Claus at the Leafs Christmas party, is highlighted, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the holiday season.
The piece also reflects on the historical aspect of Christmas in the NHL. Before the players’ association gained significant influence, teams had to play on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Leafs had a mixed record on December 25th before the tradition of playing on Christmas became a thing of the past in 1972.
The article concludes with miscellaneous notes, including the NHL Senators’ ongoing search for a new coach, with the Marlies’ John Gruden being a potential candidate. Additionally, winger Calle Jarnkrok, recovering from the flu, managed to play after missing Friday’s practice, and forward Kieffer Bellows is making an impact with 10 goals for the Marlies, showing promise on an AHL PTO.
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