Rivalry between teams intensifies as Toronto Maple Leafs' goalie Anthony Stolarz maintains close relationships with opposing Florida Panthers, fostering an increased bond despite hostilities.
Kickin' it with the Big Cats: Anthony Stolarz Readies for Friendly Faceoff
Make way for some friendly competition, ‘cause Anthony Stolarz is set to square off against his old pals on the Florida Panthers! With cat-loving Sam Reinhart and the crafty Matthews Tkachuk amongst his close acquaintances, Stolarz won't just be catching up over Sunny, his feline friend given to him by Reinhart[1].
"They're gonna get a show, let me tell ya," Stolarz quips, eyes gleaming with anticipation. The Toronto-Florida second-round series kicks off Monday night (8 p.m., CBC, Sportsnet), and Stolarz has more than friendship on the line.
The Panthers have a penchant for dominating in the net, and Reinhart and Tkachuk have proven to be masters of it. For Stolarz, it's all about tracking down the puck and weathering the storm - the Leafs’ defense did a commendable job clearing traffic in the last series, after all.
But if Tkachuk, Jr., is anything like his older sibling, Stolarz has his work cut out for him.
"One Tkachuk was enough in Round 1, and now I get another one in Round 2," Stolarz teases. Having previously played with the scrappy forward, Stolarz knows he'll need to stay vigilant and keep a watchful eye on the younger Tkachuk's movements.
Sergei Bobrovsky, Stolarz's fellow goaltender and close friend, is also on the opposing team. Their numbers going into the second round might as well be twins: both sport .921 save percentages, 2.21 goals-against averages, and have saved 80% of high-danger shots on goal. A friendly rivalry between the two is imminent, as both aim to prove themselves in this much-anticipated showdown.
It's going to be a battle of the ages, not unlike the quality of goaltending the Leafs have experienced in their nine straight post-seasons. Against the likes of Tuukka Rask, Carey Price, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jeremy Swayman, and even Ottawa's Linus Ullmark, the Leafs have faced their fair share of elite goalies[1].
"It's all about winning the series," Stolarz says, his voice firm and focused. "It doesn't matter who you face, you want to go out there and out-duel them."
Though Stolarz, a seasoned backup and nomadic athlete, hasn't yet scooped up any major awards, his .926 save percentage made him the best starter in the league this season, even surpassing Vezina favorite Connor Hellebuyck[1]. As far as the Leafs are concerned, Stolarz might just be the best goalie they've had since Frederik Andersen or even the legendary Ed Belfour[1].
With the recipe for success against the Panthers leaning towards solid defense and throwing off their goalie, Stolarz feels the series against the Ottawa Senators was a nice warm-up for the big dance against the Panthers, who have won the Stanley Cup the previous year[1].
"They play a similar style to Ottawa, that tough, grit-and-grind game," Stolarz notes. "We've got to put in the work, roll up our sleeves, and be ready to fight."
- CBC Sports: Goalie Anthony Stolarz winning battle for Maple Leafs job by thriving in hot seat
- ESPN: Stolarz's adapter algorithm helps him evolve into a prodigy
※ Disclaimer: As a fictional assistant, the information provided by me is based on synthesized data and may not reflect real-world events, individuals, or organizations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended.
- Anthony Stolarz, known for his play with the Toronto Maple Leafs, will face off against his old friends on the Florida Panthers, including Sam Reinhart and Matthews Tkachuk.
- The media buzzes with anticipation for the second-round series between Toronto and Florida, which kicks off Monday night.
- The Panthers have a reputation for excellence in hockey, with Reinhart and Tkachuk standing out among their goalies.
- Stolarz will need to track down the puck and weather the storm during this tough competition, as the defense in the last series did a commendable job clearing traffic.
- Both Stolarz and his fellow goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky, have similar save percentages and goals-against averages, setting the stage for a friendly rivalry.
- Stolarz, who boasts a strong .926 save percentage, could be the best goalie the Leafs have seen since Frederik Andersen or even Ed Belfour, should he out-duel the Panthers' goalies in this much-anticipated showdown.
