TORONTO — A few forceful shoves to the back, a hard slash to the leg, and a dismissive cold shoulder. Ottawa`s Ridly Greig went down, while Anthony Stolarz`s reputation soared.
“I was simply caught up in the intensity of the game,” Stolarz commented, uttering a truth followed by a slight bending of it. “I honestly didn’t even recognize who it was.”
Right.
Much like hockey observers aren`t quite sure who the Most Valuable Player of this revived Battle of Ontario series is through two contests. Stolarz has extended his career-best winning streak to ten games, showcased a remarkable .934 save percentage that gleams like his mask, convincingly outplayed a recent Vezina Trophy winner, and even engaged in his own skirmishes against Ottawa`s pest known for crashing the crease.
“If I were him, I wouldn`t mess with Stollie,” Oliver Ekman-Larsson remarked with a smile. Ekman-Larsson is a player whose name is inscribed on the Stanley Cup alongside the formidable goaltender from Edison, New Jersey.
Yes, one could argue that Greig perhaps didn`t merit the coinciding penalty called during one of Game 2`s more memorable moments.
“The footage speaks for itself. I didn’t see the roughing call on Ridly as justified,” stated Senators coach Travis Green. “Stolarz is a passionate player.”
However, it’s difficult to contest the latter part of the opposing coach’s comments on Wednesday.
“I’ve certainly accumulated my share of penalties throughout my career,” Stolarz admitted, grinning.
The netminder who has backstopped the first 2-0 playoff series lead for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 23 years has good reason to feel proud about that last remark.
Since beginning his professional career, the 31-year-old has played for his eighth team, across his fifth organization, and in his third league.
Yet, this marks his inaugural appearance as a starting goaltender in the NHL playoffs.
Following his final regular-season start before heading into the post-season, Stolarz cautiously suggested he was “probably” playing the finest hockey of his career, despite being hindered by knee injuries and often viewed as a backup. He then praised his teammates for their shot-blocking efforts in front of him.
There`s no ambiguity about it now. Stolarz bounced back strongly from another mid-season knee surgery to finish the season with the best save percentage in the NHL (.926), surpassing even the eventual 2025 Vezina winner, Connor Hellebuyck. He also achieved career highs in games played (34), wins (21), and shutouts (four).
While organizational depth charts and numerous trips to the doctor had labeled Stolarz as a “career backup,” the imposing netminder himself possessed too much self-belief to settle for a permanent No. 2 role—even if he patiently endured it to earn a Stanley Cup ring last June in Florida, playing behind future Hall of Famer Sergei Bobrovsky.
“I’ve never doubted my abilities. I know I belong among the best in the world,” Stolarz declared upon signing a team-friendly, two-year contract with the Maple Leafs as a free agent in July.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving shrewdly recognized that Stolarz had often been overshadowed by elite starting goaltenders at his previous stops.
“There isn’t much available net time in those situations, is there? He wasn`t going to get many starts,” Treliving explained. “He`s big (six-foot-six, 243 pounds). He`s athletic. I believe goaltenders, as we all recognize, require some time to develop their game. He`s certainly done that.”
The Maple Leafs presented Stolarz with a situation where he could compete for the starting job alongside younger talent Joseph Woll. Stolarz then ensured he was the primary starter during the crucial stretch of the season.
“Only one of us can be in the net. And naturally, you want to start as many games as possible. So, when my opportunity arises, I intend to take full advantage of it. However, at the same time, when I`m not playing, I take pride in being a supportive teammate,” Stolarz stated.
“It requires immense patience and ensuring I’m prepared when the opportunity comes. Last year, having the chance to observe Bobrovsky`s daily routine and see the effort he put into preparation, and simply being next to him in the locker room and talking—that experience meant a great deal to me. So, I`m just trying to leverage all that learning from last year and apply it now.”
Was there any frustration that it took eight professional seasons to finally become the starting goaltender in the playoffs?
“Clearly, you desire that opportunity. But ultimately, I’m playing in the National Hockey League,” Stolarz responded. “I thoroughly enjoy being out there. I love savoring the moment.”
And it certainly shows.
Tristan Blackwood