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Multiple Maple Leafs React to Risky Play Made by Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz
Photo credit: Maple Leafs on X
Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz made a very risky save against the Red Wings and his Leafs teammates had plenty to say about it.
The Toronto Maple Leafs improved to 8-5-1 with a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on home ice on Friday. While there were several highlights from the win, including a two-goal performance from John Tavares and another strong showing by goalie Anthony Stolarz, it was Stolarz's incredible, glove-less save that became a major talking point.
Stolarz made a remarkable save using his bare hand on Friday, a move that left his teammates holding their breath, concerned he might have injured himself. Fortunately, he avoided harm on the play, but it certainly caused some anxiety on the bench.
Stolarz is known for his unorthodox style of play, which sometimes includes dropping his stick in the heat of the action. Stolarz had this to say on his aggressive approach, stating it's a key part of his game, as per David Alter on X:
''It's just the way I play, the battle, the intensity. Teams are going to throw a lot of guys and bodies at me, and the time it takes to kind of get your stick and bring it around someone or bring it over someone, that's kind of the difference between the puck going in and not. So I feel comfortable playing without it, and the pads nowadays kind of seal up, so there's really no holes.''
Mitch Marner, who was on the ice during the save on Friday, was impressed but more relieved that Stolarz came away unscathed. As per Luke Fox on X:
"I didn't know where the puck was. It was a bit of a dogpile in there. Nice to see him come out with the puck in his hand and still all five fingers."
John Tavares echoed Stolarz's sentiment about his equipment-free approach to making saves. As per David Alter on X:
''I was telling Stolie he doesn't need much equipment to make a save.''
Since joining the Leafs, Stolarz has become a standout performer, postingmultiple "save of the year" type plays with his unique style of goaltending.
Stolarz has now firmly taken over the starting role from Joseph Woll and has gained the full confidence of his teammates, who know they can rely on him for a solid performance every time he's between the pipes.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 9 | 1771 ANSWERS Multiple Maple Leafs React to Risky Play Made by Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz Is Anthony Stolarz the starter going forward? | ||
| Yes | 1693 | 95.6 % |
| No | 78 | 4.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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