Anthony Stolarz struggled on Saturday while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, getting pulled after conceding four goals on 19 shots during a period and a half against the Boston Bruins. The Maple Leafs eventually lost 5-3.
This marked the first time Stolarz was pulled for performance, not injury, during his time with the Leafs.
“It’s obviously not up to par. I mean, it seems like every night I’m giving up one or two you want back but, for me, it’s life of a goalie. Have to put it behind you & focus on the next game.”
He was particularly hard on himself for his shaky start.
“First & foremost I gotta bear down & make a save. Giving up the first two shots not a good way to start the game.”
Dennis Hildeby made his season debut, coming in to relieve Stolarz. Hildeby gave up one goal on 20 shots over 32 minutes and 30 seconds.
“He was awesome. I put him in a s--t situation. He handled it like a true pro.”
Stolarz has yet to match the level he showed during his first season with Toronto. In 2024-25, he achieved a 2.14 goals-against average and led the league with a .926 save percentage in a career-high 34 games.
Author’s summary: Despite a tough outing leading to his first non-injury benching, Stolarz remains focused on bouncing back and improving after a standout previous season.