Mar 15, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) waits for play to resume during a time out against the Ottawa Senators in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
With just six games remaining in the regular season, Anthony Stolarz is making a compelling case to be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ starting goaltender when the puck drops for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 31-year-old earned his second shutout of the year on Saturday night, stopping all 27 shots he faced in a dominant 5-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It marked his fifth straight win, pushing his season record to 18-8-3 and further solidifying his presence on the crease ahead of the postseason.
“It’s good,” Stolarz said post-game. “At this stage of the year, it’s all about the two points and the wins; that’s all we care about. We have a goal in mind, and that’s to win the division, so it doesn’t matter if we won 1-0 or 7-6. Just want to get those two points.”
It was confirmed at Toronto’s optional morning skate that Stolarz would be making his second straight start, following a 29-save performance in a 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers, his former team, on Wednesday. It broke the Leafs’ goaltending rotation, helping Stolarz get into a rhythm as he’s now appeared in consecutive games.
“Stolie again tonight was solid,” said head coach Craig Berube. “Just making the saves that he needs to make, and he looks comfortable in the net. When I see him come out, playing pucks and moving it, I see him comfortable.”
“I’ve been feeling good here lately in the last couple of games,” added Stolarz.
With the win on Saturday, the Leafs extended their winning streak to four games and now hold a four-point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning and a six-point advantage over the Panthers in the Atlantic Division race. Toronto sits at 47-25-4 with 98 points.
One of the Guys
It’s no secret that Stolarz is quite vocal with his teammates on the ice, directing traffic and communicating. But make no mistake – he has no interest in being labeled a “typical goalie.” Off the ice, he describes himself as laid-back and just one of the guys, the kind of teammate who enjoys being part of the locker room.
“I like to not be the typical goalie, you know, like, the weirdo. I like to hang out with the guys off the ice, so hopefully, I don’t fit that stereotype,” said Stolarz. “As soon as I suit up the pads, I just want to win. That’s all I care about, one of the main reasons I wanted to sign here.”
This sentiment was echoed by teammate William Nylander, perhaps the most laid-back Maple Leaf, who had nothing but praise for his goaltender.
“He’s just a great dude off the ice. He’s been incredible for us all year. He’s a great addition to our team and doing an incredible job,” said Nylander.
Defenseman Morgan Rielly appreciates not just Stolarz’s calm demeanor but also the way he uses his voice to communicate with the blueline.
“He’s great. As (defense), we like when he’s talking. He watches the play develop, he’s got great hockey IQ, he likes being involved, and I think that helps him. If that’s helping him, we love it.”
The club will need Stolarz and Joseph Woll to remain on top of things down the stretch, especially with their attention turned to an upcoming back-to-back series against the Florida Panthers, followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Though their division lead for the top spot in the Atlantic grew on Saturday, consistency with six games to go will be vital in determining their playoff seeding.
“I’m just going to worry about the next six games,” said Stolarz. “Like I said, we’re trying to win the division, so that’s our main focus right now.”
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