Anthony Stolarz’s Performance Under Scrutiny After Maple Leafs Loss
Anthony Stolarz’s goaltending performance has declined as his workload with the Toronto Maple Leafs has increased. For the first time since signing with the Leafs for the 2024-25 NHL season, Stolarz was pulled for performance reasons after conceding four goals on 19 shots during a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins.
Stolarz, who secured a new four-year, $15 million contract extension before this season, currently holds a 6-5-1 record with an .889 save percentage. He acknowledged that some goals slipped through his pads and expressed a desire to have those moments back.
Stolarz’s Self-Assessment After the Game
"Yeah, I mean, first and foremost, you know, I got to bear down and make a save. I mean, giving up the first two shots, you know, not a good way to start the game. So, you know, I like to compete. You know, guys came out after that and kind of responded well. And, you know, we put a lot of pressure on them. But, you know, when you give a team like that a couple of freebies, you know, it's going to be a tough hill to climb back from."
Relief Goalie Dennis Hildeby’s Contribution
When Stolarz was pulled, Dennis Hildeby took over, making 19 saves on 20 shots. Stolarz praised his teammate’s performance:
"Yeah, it was awesome. I mean, I put him in a tough situation. So, you know, but he came in handling a true pro and played well. Just trying to give him some confidence on the bench. And he talks back to me on the bench as well."
Summary
Stolarz recognizes the need to improve his consistency after a difficult game, while showing support for his relief goalie, underscoring a challenging but collaborative environment in the Leafs’ roster.
Author’s conclusion: Stolarz’s recent struggles highlight the pressure goalies face under heavy workloads, emphasizing the importance of resilience and team support during tough stretches.