Hockey analyst expresses concern about Anthony Stolarz's workload 

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 14, 2024 10:46 GMT

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Anthony Stolarz has been a strong goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. Signed in July to a two-year, $5 million contract, Stolarz has posted a 9-5-2 record in 17 games. He has a 2.15 goals-against average (GAA), ranking second in the league, and a .927 save percentage, the best among all NHL goalies. He has also recorded one shutout.

However, Stolarz’s workload is raising some concerns, and Yard Barker analyst Michael Whitaker talked about it in his recent column. Stolarz left the Maple Leafs' last game, a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks, with a lower-body injury after stopping seven of eight shots. Joseph Woll finished the game in goal.

"The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to have to make do without goaltender Anthony Stolarz..." Whitaker said via YardBarker. "If the Leafs are without Stolarz for an extended period of time, it would be a significant setback."

Stolarz has been especially good in wins, in which his GAA drops to 1.81, and he has a .937 save percentage in these games. In a recent 2-1 overtime win against the New Jersey Devils, Stolarz made 38 saves on 39 shots.

If Stolarz is out for a longer time, Whitaker believes the Leafs will need to call up a goalie from their AHL affiliate.

"The Leafs will likely have to call up reinforcements from the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies and could choose between either Dennis Hildeby or Artur Akhtyamov; Matt Murray is on the shelf (again) and is unavailable," Whitaker wrote.

Stolarz, drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, has played for several teams including the Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers. His experience has been valuable for the Leafs, who lead the Atlantic Division with an 18-9-2 record. Managing his workload will be important as the season continues.

Maple Leafs beat Ducks 3-2 despite Stolarz's early injury exit

The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 at Rogers Place on Thursday. Max Pacioretty scored the first goal, tapping in a pass from John Tavares. William Nylander made it 2-0 at 14:17, hitting a loose puck past Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal. Frank Vatrano cut the lead to 2-1 with a power-play goal at 15:56.

Pacioretty extended the Leafs' lead to 3-1 in the second period, deflecting a shot from Conor Timmins. Jackson LaCombe scored for the Ducks at 13:59, making it 3-2.

At this point, Anthony Stolarz got injured and Joseph Woll took over, stopping 19 of 20 shots. The Leafs played well in the third, limiting Anaheim's chances and holding on for the win.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman posted on X/Twitter that head coach Craig Berube said Stolarz was listed as "day-to-day" for now.