Maple Leafs Make Shocking Goalie Call for Season Opener: What It Means for Their Chances

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has made a surprising decision for the team’s season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, announcing that Anthony Stolarz will be starting in net. This move has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, as many had expected Joseph Woll to be the team’s go-to goalie.

However, according to Berube, Woll is being held out due to a lingering lower-body issue. ‘Lower-body tightness’ is the official reason cited by the team, but the specifics of the injury remain unclear. While the issue may not seem particularly severe, the Maple Leafs are undoubtedly taking a cautious approach with their young goalie.

‘We’re just being careful with Joey,’ Berube explained in a press conference. ‘He’s been dealing with this for a little while now, and we don’t want it to turn into something more serious. We’re taking the necessary precautions to ensure he’s fully healthy before we throw him into the mix.’

This decision means that Anthony Stolarz will be thrust into the spotlight for the season opener. Stolarz, a 29-year-old veteran goalie, has been with the Maple Leafs since the 2021-22 season. While he hasn’t been the team’s primary starter, he has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action. Berube expressed confidence in Stolarz’s abilities, citing his experience and work ethic as key factors in the decision.

‘Anthony has been tremendous in camp,’ Berube said. ‘He’s been working hard, and we’re confident that he can get the job done. We’re not worried about his ability to step in and perform at a high level.’

While Stolarz may not be the most well-known name in the NHL, he has a proven track record in the league. In 67 career games, he has a .908 save percentage and a 2.87 goals-against average. These numbers may not be spectacular, but they demonstrate that Stolarz is more than capable of holding his own in the crease.

The Maple Leafs’ season opener against the Canadiens is shaping up to be an exciting matchup. With the team’s top goalie out due to injury, all eyes will be on Stolarz as he attempts to lead the team to victory. If he can deliver a strong performance, it could go a long way in establishing himself as a reliable option for the team moving forward.