The last meeting between the Leafs and Bruins occurred a little under two weeks ago, with the Bruins skating away with an OT victory, sending the Leafs home with the loser point as a consolation prize.
On that night, Anthony Stolarz made 30 saves in the 4-3 decision and kept his team in the game all night until an Auston Matthews defensive zone turnover in OT led to Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak connecting for the game-winning goal. Now, he'll have his opportunity to avenge that loss, only this time, he'll be on home ice.
Stolarz was spotted at Leafs practice on Tuesday going through his typical starting routine, indicating that he'll draw the start against the Leafs' most heated divisional rival tonight, according to TSN's Mark Masters.
Stolarz began the season on absolute fire for the Leafs, but has since gone 2-1-2 over his last 5 games. Even with the losing record, Stolarz has managed to post save percentages of .926 or better in 3 of those 5 games, so it's not as if he's playing poorly. He's just simply not getting the goal support that a goaltender needs to stack wins.
Through 8 starts so far, Stolarz has posted a very respectable .919 SV% and a solid 2.38 GAA, so he's certainly doing his part. The Leafs had better do their part and come up with the goal support tonight, because if he continues to play the way that he has, Stolarz deserves more wins on his stat card.
POLL | ||
5 NOVEMBRE | 1549 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Confirm Starting Goalie For Grudge Match Against Bruins Do you think Anthony Stolarz actually has what it takes to be a #1 goalie in the NHL? | ||
Yes, he's showing that now | 1278 | 82.5 % |
No, the numbers will taper off eventually | 101 | 6.5 % |
Ask me again in the playoffs | 170 | 11 % |
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