Maple Leafs' Stolarz Owns Up to Slow Start, Eyes Redemption
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig - Imagn Images
Despite a rocky start to the season, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz remains upbeat and is determined to turn things around in a hurry.
After a fantastic debut season for the Toronto Maple Leafs last year, Anthony Stolarz entered the 2025-26 campaign with a chip on his shoulder - as well as a contract extension signed, sealed, and delivered.
With his tandem partner sidelined indefinitely, Stolarz was leaned on heavily to start the season, where he was thrust into action in 7 of the first 8 games.
Unfortunately, his numbers took a hit, and following a 5-3 loss on Friday night, the Leafs decided to give him the full night off on Saturday as Cayden Primeau earned the start and the recently called up Dennis Hildeby slotted in as the backup.
At 2-4-1 with a 3.31 GAA and a .885 SV%, Stolarz is performing well under his recent averages, but the hulking netminder feels upbeat after his mental rest day and remains confident in a potential turnaround.
Obviously, the numbers aren't there for what I want. But, at the end of the day, it's a long season, and for me, it's just continuing to work, continuing to battle... I think it's just dialling it in a little more, making that one more save, just whether it's to keep the score tied or to keep it a one-goal game, or preserve the lead.
He understands that his numbers and overall gameplay isn't where it's supposed to be, but as long as he sticks to the fundamentals, there's always room for improvement.
What could also help is the return of Woll, who has rejoined the team for on-ice activities as he ramps back up. To be able to split starts evenly and have his tandem-partner back will go a long way in returning to form.
While Woll's return date is still to be determined, Stolarz will have the luxury of a few more days off this week with a back-to-back set on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a game on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old proved that his league-leading save percentage from 2023-24 wasn't an anomaly after he paced the league again last year, so look for more of the same after a much needed mental reset.
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