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William Nylander makes his thoughts on Anthony Stolarz's desperation save in Leafs' 5-2 win extremely clear
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander praised goaltender Anthony Stolarz for his performance in the 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. The key moment came in the second period when the Lightning had a two-man advantage, but Stolarz scooped the puck off the goal line.
Nylander praised Stolarz's performance, highlighting a standout save that could be one of the "toughest" this season.
"That might be one of the toughest saves of the year," Nylander said. "Insane save."
Stolarz also acknowledged the crowd's role:
"It's exciting. It kind of swings momentum our way. They (had) a 5-on-3 with an opportunity to swing and change things. But the crowd getting into it. I think it shattered (the Lightning) a little bit and just allowed us to kill it off."
Stolarz's path to a starting role has been challenging. He was signed as a backup goalie but became the starter when Joseph Woll got injured before the season began. Stolarz has now started five of the six games and holds a 3-2- 0 record and a .938 save percentage.
Before joining the Maple Leafs, Stolarz played for four other teams. He signed a two-year contract with Toronto for $2.5 million per year, reflecting the Leafs' trust in him. Last season, he had a .925 save percentage with the Florida Panthers and helped them win the Stanley Cup.
William Nylander's early goal and 2nd period effort help Leafs secure win
The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, taking control early and dominating in the second period. William Nylander scored the first goal in the opening period. Tampa Bay’s Nicholas Paul tied the game before Auston Matthews restored Toronto's lead early in the second.
Nylander added another goal, and Max Pacioretty extended the lead to 4-1 before Matthew Knies made it 5-1 after a Lightning defensive mistake. Tampa’s Brayden Point scored late, but the game was out of reach by then.
“I think we came out pretty good,” William Nylander said per NHL.com. “Tampa came back a little bit in the first period, but then I think we played quick and got odd-man rushes the other way so it opened the game up.
"(We had) a great (enalty kill) and an unbelievable game by (Anthony) Stolarz, making some huge saves as well to keep the lead.”
The Maple Leafs next play the Blue Jackets on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
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