The stakes are high for everyone: Hutchinson faces an uncertain NHL future. The MapleLeafs are currently on the wrong side of the playoff cutoff line and desperately want another shot at the dance. For good or ill, they need him now. (reporterchris)
Fair enough, it’s one thing to be given time to prepare for a start and quite another to be tossed in cold midway through a game where your team is already taking on water.
Hutchinson has proven himself capable of delivering quality outings — just not as consistently as the best of his peers. But as the Leafs headed to Madison Square Garden for Wednesday’s game with the New York Rangers, they seemed confident he could hold the fort in Andersen’s absence. The 29-year-old seems to have much more faith from the front office than many viewing this situation from outside the dressing-room walls. Not only did general manager Kyle Dubas stick by him during an 0-5-1 start to the year by refusing to acquire any outside help, but he brought Hutchinson back from a spell in the minors after Keefe replaced Mike Babcock behind the bench.
Hutchinson delivered on his second chance with the four victories: A 29-save effort against Detroit; a 24-save night against New Jersey; a 33-save shutout over the New York Islanders; and last Saturday’s 24-save win over Ottawa. He was also tagged with Monday’s loss after coming in for the injured Andersen. Hutchinson wasn’t at his best during a third period where a 3-1 lead quickly evaporated into a 5-3 defeat against the Florida Panthers — the team Toronto is battling for the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.Senior Writer Ryan Dixon and NHL Editor Rory Boylen always give it 110%, but never rely on clichés when it comes to podcasting.
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