Auston Matthews makes his feelings known about Maple Leafs' confidence amid Anthony Stolarz's absence

By Jackson Weber

Modified Dec 17, 2024 20:57 GMT

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Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving spoke to media Tuesday morning and broke the news that Anthony Stolarz will be out for the next four to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Stolarz was initially labeled to be day-to-day after leaving in the first period of Thursday's 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

This sparked interest to see how players and coaches would react to the extended absence of their goalie. Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews spoke to the media las well:

"Obviously, we hope the best for Stolie—he’s been great for us all year—but whether it’s forwards or defense, guys get injured, and others have to step up.”

Matthews was then asked about his confidence in Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby as a tandem:

“I mean, I think it’s pretty high. Joe has been great for us, and the Beast has been solid when he’s been up and had to play. I think we have a lot of confidence in our goalies."

Timestamp: 3:11 onwards.

Stolarz was having a career-best season with a 9-5-2 record, 2.15 goals-against average (second in the NHL behind Connor Hellebuyck), .927 save percentage (best in the NHL) and one shutout. As Matthews mentioned, the team will now rely on Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby to split starts.

Auston Matthews and Maple Leafs have dealt with plenty of injuries this season

While they currently sit atop the Atlantic Division with a record of 19-10-2 (40 points), it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs have dealt with an abundance of injuries this season. That includes the likes of Max Domi (eight games), Connor Dewar (16 games), Calle Jarnkrok (31 games), David Kampf (12 games), Matthew Knies (two games), Auston Matthews (nine games), Bobby McMann (seven games), Max Pacioretty (10 games), Jake McCabe (five games), Joseph Woll (seven games), and now Anthony Stolarz.

This extremely long list of injuries has not slowed down the team as they maintain the sixth-best record in the NHL.

Matthews, who sits at 21 points in 22 games (10 Goals, 11 Assists), has recorded 10 points in nine games (five goals, five assists) since returning from an upper-body injury on Nov. 30.

The Maple Leafs will look to continue their winning ways when they next head to Dallas in a matchup with the Stars on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. EST.