When Anthony Stolarz went down with a lower-body injury on December 12, it felt like a pivotal moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stolarz was undoubtedly the team’s MVP then, anchoring their early success with stellar goaltending performances. His absence could have easily derailed the season, but Joseph Woll stepped up, shouldering a heavier workload than ever before. Woll played admirably, but there’s no denying Stolarz’s impact from the start of the season.
Looking back, Stolarz’s contributions stand out not only for their consistency but also for their quality among NHL goaltenders this season. Because of his injury, his total number of games played is fewer than that of goalies like Connor Hellebuyck or Jacob Markstrom. Stolarz’s efficiency and production are undeniable. But his numbers place him among the league’s most elite goalies. He’s made a massive impact on the Maple Leafs’ success.
As Maple Leafs fans await his return, I want to take a moment to reflect on the presence he established and the bar he set in the net this season.
A Snapshot of Stolarz Numbers in Comparison
Goaltending is often the backbone of any successful NHL team. This season, Stolarz of the Maple Leafs has been quietly excelling among elite netminders. As noted, he hasn’t played as many games as some of his peers. But his performance metrics firmly place him among the league’s best.
Here’s a quick look at how Stolarz compares with the current top goaltenders in the NHL:
| Player | GP | GS | GAA | SV% | GA | SA | W | L | OTL | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) | 29 | 29 | 2.06 | .928 | 60 | 832 | 23 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Jacob Markstrom (NJ) | 27 | 27 | 2.11 | .914 | 57 | 659 | 19 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| Anthony Stolarz (TOR) | 17 | 17 | 2.15 | .927 | 35 | 480 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Filip Gustavsson (MIN) | 25 | 25 | 2.26 | .923 | 56 | 726 | 16 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
The Numbers Behind Stolarz’s Success
Stolarz has delivered standout numbers this season. In doing so, he’s shown his importance to the Maple Leafs’ success. With a stellar goals-against average (GAA) of 2.15, he sits just behind elite netminders like Connor Hellebuyck (2.06) and Jacob Markstrom (2.11). He’s proven to keep opponents’ shots out of the net. His save percentage (.927) is equally impressive, nearly matching Hellebuyck’s (.928), highlighting his consistency in stopping high-danger chances, even with a lighter workload.
Stolarz has also put up a record of nine wins in 17 games. While that win total does not rival Hellebuyck’s 23 wins in 29 games, Stolarz’s 480 saves underline his capability to deliver when the team needs him most. Despite playing significantly fewer games (17) compared to Hellebuyck (29) and Markstrom (27), Stolarz’s performance remains elite.
On the Season, Stolarz Compared to the Best
For the Maple Leafs, Stolarz’s emergence has been a key storyline. Toronto currently relies on Woll as the team’s primary starter. However, when Stolarz has been healthy, he’s proven to be a reliable 1B addition. He’s stepped up well when needed, and his numbers suggest he can compete with the league’s top-tier goaltenders when given the opportunity.
Stolarz holds his own when stacked against Hellebuyck, Markstrom, and Gustavsson. While he may not yet have his peers’ accolades or number of starts, his performance metrics tell the story of a quietly elite goalie. His ability to match Hellebuyck’s SV% and stay competitive in GAA highlights his importance to the Maple Leafs’ success this season.
The long and the short is that Stolarz does not have the name recognition of some of his peers. However, his play speaks volumes. When he returns for the season, he’ll be an immediate psychological pick-up for the Maple Leafs. He helps them win games.
The biggest question on the season is whether this quietly outstanding goaltender, who might be flying under the radar, can become a key to the Maple Leafs’ playoff aspirations.
Right now, the answer to the question posed in this title is that the Maple Leafs really miss their goalie.
