Swedish Goalie Dennis Hildeby Secures First NHL Shutout, Leading Maple Leafs to Victory

Dennis Hildeby, the 24-year-old Swedish goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, recorded his first NHL shutout on December 9, 2025, with an outstanding performance that led his team to a 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Playing in his 15th NHL game, Hildeby stopped all 29 shots faced, showcasing impressive skill and composure at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario.

The game’s opening goal came from Morgan Rielly in the first period, while Auston Matthews sealed the victory by scoring into an empty net in the closing seconds. Hildeby’s effort earned him the first star of the match, highlighting his impact on the outcome. Reflecting on the milestone, Hildeby commented, “I had a lot of fun out there,” and shared that the achievement brought joy to his family, especially his father, who has been collecting pucks from his games.

Before joining the NHL, Hildeby played for Färjestad in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and moved to Canada in 2023 to pursue his NHL career. His recent form has been impressive, saving 62 of 63 shots in his last two contests, signaling his growing prominence among Swedish goalkeepers internationally.

Other Swedish goaltenders have also made their mark this season, including Jesper Wallstedt with four shutouts, Filip Gustavsson with two, and Anders Forsberg with one. On the Tampa Bay side, defenseman Victor Hedman, a key player for Sweden’s national team Tre Kronor, made his return after a 12-game injury hiatus, and is already selected for Sweden’s Olympic team. However, the Lightning have struggled recently, suffering four straight losses and being shut out twice.

Hildeby’s breakthrough shutout is a significant milestone early in his NHL career, and it has attracted attention as he continues to develop as a promising talent in international hockey circles.