Apr 26, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) looks up the ice prior to the start of game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Despite a shaky start in Ottawa for Game 4, the Toronto Maple Leafs are sticking with goaltender Anthony Stolarz in the blue paint for Game 5 on Tuesday. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed pre-game that the 31-year-old will once again get the start as the Leafs look to eliminate the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of their first-round series.
“I’m just focused on Stolarz right now, playing. That’s really where I’m at. I don’t think there is any reason to change (the goaltender) right now.”
The decision comes after a subpar outing from Stolarz, who allowed four goals on 21 shots in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss at Canadian Tire Centre, posting a .810 save percentage in the defeat. It was his first loss after an impressive 11-game winning streak that dated back to the regular season, one that tied a franchise record for the longest win streak by a goaltender.
But Berube is leaning on the larger body of work from Stolarz, who has provided stability in the Leafs' crease since earning the starter’s role down the stretch.
“He’s solid. He’s been around a long time, a veteran guy,” Berube said. “All goalies go through losses, obviously, and things like that, like a team. You've got to turn the page and move on and just keep focusing on what you’ve done well and what you do well as a goalie. That’s not going to change. He’s going to go out there and do his thing like he has in the past.”
Stolarz has posted a 3-1-0 record with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage through the first four games of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. More importantly, he’s played an impactful role in helping Toronto build a 3-0 series lead, coming up with timely saves when needed throughout the series.
During the regular season, the Leafs were running a goalie tandem between Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Both goaltenders surpassed the 20-win mark — a first in franchise history — but neither were given the keys to the crease long-term. Yet in the postseason, Berube has opted to ride Stolarz exclusively thus far.
The Leafs outshot Ottawa 34-21 in Game 4 and were a goal away from advancing to Round 2. Stolarz will be eager to bounce back on home ice in Game 5, and the Leafs will look to make good use of a second opportunity to eliminate the Senators and end the Battle of Ontario.
“We’re ready to go,” said Berube pre-game. “Guys feel good and are anxious to play. It’s not until tonight, but they’re ready to go.”
