Leafs Could Be Preparing to Throw Everyone For a Loop With Controversial Decision for Game 1

Preparing for their final road game, or second last 'home game' of the season in Buffalo Tuesday morning, the Leafs surprised many when Anthony Stolarz tended the starter's net during morning skate.

After Joseph Woll backstopped the Leafs to a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday, Craig Berube opted to give the Stanley Cup Champion Tuesday's start against the lowly Buffalo Sabres.

Stolarz has been on a heater as of late winning a career-high seven straight starts. Over his last seven games, the former second-round pick has put up Vezina-like numbers with a .942 save percentage, 1.57GAA and 2 shutouts over that span.

Dating back to March 20th, the 31-year-old has started seven of 11 games and has been the only one to garner back-to-back starts.

While many may see the Leafs leaning towards Stolarz for Game 1 of the playoffs, given the injury history of Woll, the Leafs may be using Stolarz's hot streak to rest the former third-rounder as much as possible in preparation to start Game 1 instead given that he has played more than half of his 77 career NHL games this season.

It would certainly surprise many given how much Berube has leaned on the veteran who is 20-8-3 in 33 games in his first season with the Leafs.

Regardless of who starts Game 1 however, this could be the first post-season in decades where the Leafs are comfortable with their goaltending heading into the playoffs with both being able to give the club the opportunity to win games.

With Stolarz between the pipes Tuesday, the starter for Thursday's finale should provide more clarity as to who Berube is leaning towards for Game 1.