Since moving to North America, Dennis Hildeby has only had to guard the coffers in the farm league AHL. But when he stepped up to the NHL during the night of Friday, it was a magnificent debut. Win with 4–2 and 23 saves.
– I tried to enjoy as much as possible, but it was a bit back and forth, says Hildeby.
Coaching Craig Berube however, had only words of praise.
– I didn’t think he looked nervous at all. He looked okay before the game, and looked calm between the posts overall, he told the league’s website and continued:
– I think he made some really good saves. I am very happy for him.
Hildeby moved in 2017 to Timrå where he played with the J18 team, before leaving for Färjestad three seasons later. There he also got to make his SHL debut, but it was only 29 games there before the move went to North America.
Erik Karlsson (on the right) scored his first goal of the season during the night. Photo: Jose Juarez/AP
And it wasn’t just Dennis Hildeby who had a good day at work.
Elias Lindholm got to open the scoring of the season in his new club Boston, when he accounted for a goal and two assists in the 6–4 win against Montreal. Thus, the Swedish star has started the season with four points in two games.
Erik Karlsson also scored his first goal of the season, and was also credited with an assist point as Pittsburgh beat Detroit (6–3).
