Leafs Appear to Have Selected Starting Goalies in Back-to-Back Against Red Wings, Predators

After a rough outing on Saturday, the Toronto Maple Leafs are turning back to Anthony Stolarz this afternoon, hoping for a dose of redemption against the Detroit Red Wings.

Despite being only two games into the season, Stolarz is off to a shaky start with a .906 save percentage, struggling in his first appearance against Detroit and losing by a score of 6-3. It wouldn't be fair to pin the loss on him, because Stolarz did play well. Unfortunately, the team in front of him fell flat.

The Leafs were outshot 35-23 on Saturday, went 0-for-2 on the power play, and handed the Red Wings four power play opportunities of their own. That imbalance left almost no room for error for Stolarz to recover, and even less for Toronto to find momentum.

Fortunately for Stolarz, he won't have to carry the load for long, as Cayden Primeau is likely to start on Tuesday, hopefully giving Stolarz some much-needed relief after playing every game to open the season.

If the Maple Leafs want to bounce back, it starts with energy and intent. They'll need to open with pace, attack with more creativity, and play with an edge defensively to avoid another embarrassing night.

Setting the tone early, not just for Detroit, but for the rest of the league, should be the message. Toronto needs to prove they can be a hard team to play against for all 60 minutes.

Yes, Stolarz will have to be sharper, but if the Maple Leafs don't tighten up around him, it won't matter who's in net. This afternoon is about redemption, for the veteran goalie, and for the team.

For Primeau, there's excitement in the air, as he appears poised to make his Leafs debut on Tuesday against Nashville, barring a late pivot from the Leafs.