Leafs Goaltender Confirms Berube's Message Between Periods 'Lit a Fire' Under the Group
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski Imagn Images
Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz credits head coach Craig Berube for lighting a fire under the group in between the second and third periods to fuel win.
Following a disheartening loss to the Seattle Kraken in mid-October, Anthony Stolarz publicly shredded his teammates for their poor effort.
While many believed that the public comments should have stayed behind closed doors, the Leafs were quick to dismiss any tension between Stolarz and his teammates.
Stolarz Shines In Comeback Win
Following a 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on October 24th, the former second-round pick admitted he had to be better.
Since that loss, Stolarz is a strong 3-0, holding a save percentage of .919 or better in his last two games, showing that it was not all just lip service, putting his money where his mouth is.
Despite giving up three goals over two periods against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night, he made some rather big saves and gave the Leafs a chance to turn things around in the third period.
The Leafs did just that, something Stolarz credits Berube's speech between the second and third for doing.
"Yeah, some not so good things from Chief... Chief did the talking and really lit a fire under us. Kudos to the guys for the way we were able to respond. That's how we have to play. We're a talented team, and when we work hard, continue to play his brand of hockey, get in front of the other team's goalie, and battle on the forecheck, good things happen. That third period is a prime example of that."
Led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the Leafs scored four times in the third, including three goals in less than four minutes to tie the game.
Leafs Finding Their Groove?
There were plenty of questions surrounding the Leafs when October ended and their record was 5-5-1. There shouldn't have been, however, given that the Leafs have consistently started slow before hitting their stride in November.
Beginning with a win on Saturday, the Buds are now 2-0 to begin the month and have a chance to climb back to the top of the Atlantic Division if they can sweep their current four-game homestand.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 4 | 445 ANSWERS Leafs Goaltender Confirms Berube's Message Between Periods 'Lit a Fire' Under the Group How will the Leafs do on their homestand? | ||
| 4-0-0 | 87 | 19.6 % |
| 3-1-1 | 257 | 57.8 % |
| 1-2-1 | 82 | 18.4 % |
| 1-3-0 | 19 | 4.3 % |
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