Anthony Stolarz Accomplishes Something Not Seen in Toronto since Leafs Legend Felix Potvin

Regardless of what happens from here on out, Anthony Stolarz has stepped up and earned the start in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a career year across the board.

Stolarz's NHL stats page shows he started more games in 2024-25 (33) and had more wins (21) than any other season in his career, and he put up excellent numbers to solidify the starter's position heading into the post-season.

After wins in eight straight games to finish out the year, Stolarz reached some milestones not seen among Leafs goaltenders since a legend of the team pulled it off all the way back in 1992-93. He is the Maple Leafs first goaltender since Felix Potvin to finish in the top three in both goals against average (2.14) and save percentage (.926) in a season.

Stolarz has also been doing his best to help out goaltending partner Joseph Woll by passing on some quality lessons. It's yet another sign of how much he stepped up this season despite battling injuries.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube will be stacking the weight on Stolarz's shoulders as soon as the series against the Ottawa Senators starts, and he's already sent a clear message to the Sens that he's ready to go by posting a 4-0 shutout win over the Buffalo Sabres in his last game of the regular season -- a win that clinched first overall for the Leafs in the NHL's Atlantic Division.