It’s hard to overstate the importance of Anthony Stolarz to the Leafs’ win, to their chances in the series and, just maybe, a deep playoff run.
The 6-foot-6 monster of a goaltender provides not just the composure the Leafs have long lacked in past playoff series, but the attitude of a hardened winner.
Stolarz saw almost everything thrown at him through traffic and used his combination of athleticism and size to make 26 saves in the game. He ended up allowing just two goals for the second game in a row.
“He’s a gamer,” Domi said. “Always has been a gamer.”
It doesn’t feel that long ago that there was a debate over who would start in the playoffs for the Leafs: Stolarz or Joseph Woll.
Now, there’s zero debate over who is winning the goaltending battle in this series. Senators goalie Linus Ullmark looked off his game in the first period while Stolarz was dialed in.
And that attitude? That manifested in Stolarz taking a shot at public enemy No. 1 in Toronto — Senators forward Ridly Greig. Stolarz remembered the run Greig took at him in Game 1 and gave him multiple whacks with his stick before hammering Greig with his shoulder. Somehow, both Greig and Stolarz received minor penalties, which made the whole melee worth it for the Leafs.