The Man in Net: Anthony Stolarz Keeping Leafs Games Alive

While the Toronto Maple Leafs started their season with many of their main roster members out with injuries, Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll have kept their season strong and alive. On December 10th, the Toronto Maple Leafs were on the road and took on the New Jersey Devils, now led by their old coach, Sheldon Keefe. The Leafs secured a 2-1 victory with Auston Matthews scoring the overtime goal from a breakaway. Although captain Austin Matthews may have provided the winning goal it would not have been possible without the man in the net, Anthony Stolarz. 

Stolarz signed a two-year $5 million contract with the Leafs, after winning the Stanley Cup in the 2023-2024 season with the Florida Panthers. Coming from the Florida Panthers, Stolarz had incredible stats that season. With 27 games played 16 wins, and a .925 save percentage. Due to injury issues surrounding Joseph Woll in the Leafs’ preseason, Anthony Stolarz made his debut as a Toronto Maple Leaf in their game against the Montreal Canadiens, which was also their first preseason win. After Joseph Woll returned to the lineup, the Leafs have relied on this rotating goalie duo to help carry them through games. With each start, they both showcase just how great of goalies they are, and it's clear they are giving it their all— something the Leafs have needed for years. 

In the Leafs game against the New Jersey Devils, the Leafs were wildly outshot. With only registering one shot on goal for the Leafs and the New Jersey Devils firing back 14 in the first period, Stolarz was tested early. In each game, we have seen more and more improvement from Stolarz. At the same time, while having an incredible performance a few simple mistakes have cost him and his team a goal. Early in the season while making incredible stops Stolarz struggled to control rebounds, which allowed the opposing team to capitalize on loose pucks. Throughout the season we have seen this area of his game improve drastically, he has fought harder to keep those pucks close offering fewer second-chance opportunities for the opposing teams.

While being able to track and stop the many breakaways from the Devils, Stolarz was able to make those important saves and kept the Leafs in the game. After an incredible sequence of saves on the Devils' power play, the Leafs were able to get the puck out of their zone and get a short-handed goal from Holmberg to tie the game in the 3rd period. After winning the faceoff in overtime, Jack Hughes took the puck to the net which was saved by Stolarz to keep the clock running. Another incredible save from Stolarz led to a puck battle at center ice between Auston Matthews and Brett Pesce, Auston was able to beat him and keep control of the puck scoring the overtime goal. 

After three periods and overtime, the final shots on goal were 39-16 Devils. With such a difference in shots on goal, Stolarz was key in keeping this game alive and sending it into overtime. Where the Leafs were lacking in performance Stolarz was there to pick up the slack. After this game, his save percentage is now .928. With great performances and improvements game after game, it can only get better for the Stolarz-Woll duo. Hopefully, they will continue with their amazing performances. Let's just hope they won’t have to pick up all the slack for the rest of the season.