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NHL Insider Confirms Longer Absence Possible for Leafs' Anthony Stolarz
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
TSN's Darren Dreger provided some insight into the recovery time for Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz and why his absence could be longer than expected.
Following the Maple Leafs' victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, Craig Berube raised some concerns when he spoke about the lower-body injury Stolarz had suffered.
Berube refused to provide an update and cited that the team would know more in a couple of days.
The Leafs had a complete day off on Monday after playing three games in four evenings, but will return to practice on Tuesday, which will be the best way to determine how long Anthony Stolarz is out for, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Dreger was on TSN's 'First Up' on Monday and noted that the Leafs don't know the extent of the injury yet, but if he is not on the ice on Tuesday, fans shouldn't view it as concerning given how the Leafs have handled injuries this season -- with a great deal of patience.
"I don't think the Maple Leafs have a full grasp on the extent of the injury I'm going to be curious to see if he is back on the ice for practice as early as tomorrow (Tuesday) and if he's not out there than perhaps his situation drags a little bit longer. I also don't think it speaks to the severity of the injury, more to the patience and the approach of the Maple Leafs with all their players this year. He's eligible to return off injured reserve on Friday, but for me it's always are they practicing, and if he's not practicing tomorrow, maybe they go a little bit longer."
The 30-year-old, along with 26-year-old Joseph Woll, have given the Leafs the most stable goaltending the team has had since Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour, many would say. Although neither has started more than 30 games in a season, both have provided a calming influence in games where the Leafs have struggled out of the gate.
Through 17 games in the blue and white, Stolarz has posted a league-leading .927 save percentage and very sharp 2.15 GAA to go along with a 9-5-2 record.
While he is out of the lineup, the Leafs will rely on Woll and Dennis Hildeby to hold down the fort, but with an update expected this week, the hope is that the Stanley Cup Champion is not out for too long.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 2606 ANSWERS NHL Insider Confirms Longer Absence Possible for Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Do you expect Stolarz to be out until after Christmas? | ||
| With how the Leafs have handled injuries, yes | 2124 | 81.5 % |
| Depends on Tuesday's update | 383 | 14.7 % |
| No, he should be back this weekend | 99 | 3.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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