From backup to starter, Anthony Stolarz has wasted no time with the Maple Lefs
His name may not sound familiar to you but the 30-years old goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, is making himself a name in the NHL.
Once a second-round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, Stolarz’s career has been defined by resilience, adaptation, and, more recently, a breakthrough opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The towering 6-foot-6 goaltender, previously relegated to backup roles, is now poised to emerge as a key figure for the Leafs in the 2024-25 season.
The early 2024-25 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs has presented a unique opportunity for Anthony Stolarz, primarily due to an injury to Joseph Woll, the Leafs’ expected 1A goalie.
Woll’s absence pushed Anthony Stolarz into the starting role, and he wasted no time making his mark.
Despite playing in a limited capacity before this season, Stolarz’s statistics have always been solid. In the 2023-24 season, he posted an impressive .925 save percentage, along with a 2.03 goals-against average in just 27 games with the Panthers.
Anthony Stolarz’s early performances in the 2024-25 season have further solidified his case for a starting role in Maple Leafs’ net.
In a memorable start against the Los Angeles Kings, he turned aside 32 of 34 shots, displaying a calm, composed style that has become his hallmark.
His steely, almost unflappable nature in net has earned praises from teammates and coaches alike, who see his presence as a stabilizing force for a team looking to cement itself as a Stanley Cup contender.
In fact, Anthony Stolarz has been described as the “anti-Samsonov,” a reference to his collected style compared to other more frantic goaltenders.
Yesterday night against the Lightning, Stolarz once again put on a show. His goal-line save show his ability to remain calm in tense situations.
Stolarz’s success isn’t just about anecdotal praise; the numbers back up his breakout.
Over the last few seasons, he has quietly become one of the most effective goaltenders in terms of goals saved above expected (GSAx).
In the 2023-24 season, he finished third in the league in this metric, outperforming several established starters.
Moreover, his agility combined with his size makes him a unique asset. Though he had never been given the full-time starter’s role until now, his ability to post consistent numbers in his limited starts has turned heads across the NHL.
While Joseph Woll remains a talented goaltender, Stolarz’s emergence raises questions about the Leafs’ long-term plans in net. Woll has shown potential when healthy, but injuries have been a persistent issue throughout his career.
This clearly gives Anthony Stolarz an edge for the rest of the season. And we all know how precious and important is to have a solid goaltender to pretend winning it all.
With Woll sidelined, Stolarz’s performances this season could redefine Toronto’s goaltending hierarchy.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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