Maple Leafs Finally Reveal When We Can Expect to See Anthony Stolarz Return to Game Action
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have finally revealed when we can expect goaltender Anthony Stolarz to make his return to the Leafs' lineup following recovery from surgery.
After a lengthy layoff due to having to undergo a surgical procedure on his knee back in December, Anthony Stolarz is finally on the cusp of returning for the Maple Leafs.
Stolarz has been back and skating with not only the conditioning staff of late, but also with his Leafs teammates, practicing and facing shots, which is a pretty solid indicator that a return is on the immediate horizon.
On Tuesday, Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked point blank about Stolarz's expected return date. When asked if the 31-year-old would return ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Berube suggested that, if everything goes according to plan, we'll see Stolarz back before the 4 Nations.
Stolarz also had a chance to speak with the media this week, confirming that it's difficult, mentally, when you're not playing. He also spoke about his ongoing conditioning, pointing out that nothing can prepare you for game play quite like actually playing in games.
"Obviously, it kind of sucks not playing. We were playing pretty well when I went down, so just being able to get back out there, practice with the guys again, and be around the group has been a lot of fun so far There's no cardio like playing hockey in a real 60-minute game-especially as a goalie. I feel good; it's just about getting that cardio back."
Stolarz joins a long list of Leafs that are getting closer to full health. Max Pacioretty, Matthew Knies and John Tavares are all apparently on the cusp of returning as well, so the Leafs will be in a pretty good spot when it comes to on-ice personnel heading into the final 30+ games of the season.
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