Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs should be thrilled with the contributions of their new players.
After losing their season opener 1-0 to the Montreal Canadiens, the Maple Leafs won two straight games, downing the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Saturday. While the Leafs haven’t been perfect in any of their games, seeing their acquisitions produce some positive results is a good sign.
But so far, the Maple Leafs’ best new player is Anthony Stolarz.
The 30-year-old netminder allowed only one goal (and a power-play goal, at that) against Montreal and just two goals on 23 shots against Pittsburgh, with one at even strength. Stolarz looked confident and structurally sound as Penguins stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang tested him.
Also looking solid Saturday was first-year Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev. The 34-year-old blueliner was one of Toronto’s most relied-on penalty-killers, logging 4:32 of shorthanded time, just behind veteran Jake McCabe (4:34) as the Leafs’ top man on the PK.
Just like in the first two games, Toronto was undisciplined, giving the Penguins four power-play opportunities. But Leafs coach Craig Berube relied on a mixed bag of veterans and newcomers – including fourth-line winger Steven Lorentz, Mitch Marner, Pontus Holmberg and Matthew Knies to stave off the Penguins’ attack.
Related: Maple Leafs’ New Players Driving Force Behind Improved Penalty Kill And Defense
That said, Stolarz has done everything the Leafs hoped he’d do when they signed him to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million per season this summer. In two games in the Blue and White, Stolarz posted a 1.54 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage, much better than his already-decent career average of a 2.67 GAA and .915 SP. While his current numbers are unsustainable, Stolarz has been a calming influence on his teammates and an intimidating presence for opponents. Even after he gives up a goal, Stolarz hasn’t allowed it to rattle him.
Toronto was fortunate that prospect Dennis Hildeby stepped up when called upon in a back-to-back game situation earlier this week. But Stolarz has made his case to be the Leafs’ No. 1 option in net whenever youngster Joseph Woll returns from injury, and he has made that case convincingly so far.
The Leafs’ next challenge comes Wednesday when they host the Los Angeles Kings. Stolarz has earned the right to be between the pipes. He doesn’t need to steal games, but if he can discourage the other team’s shooters by being consistently above average, the risk Toronto took by signing him will turn out to be excellent.
The Buds’ net situation has been a source of drama for some time now, but if Stolarz can settle in and show Leafs brass and fans he’s deserving of playing at least every other game – if not more than that – all involved will be thrilled.
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