'I'm eager to get in there': Anthony Stolarz to start first game with Panthers against San Jose
Stolarz is playing in his eighth NHL season after signing with Florida on July 1
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports - 'I'm eager to get in there': Anthony Stolarz to start first game with Panthers against San JoseThe Florida Panthers debuted a new goaltending tandem when the team opened its 2023-24 NHL season.
Longtime Panthers starter Sergei Bobrovsky was joined this year by free agent addition Anthony Stolarz, a 29-year-old former second-round pick who is well-versed at the ins and outs of playing in the NHL.
As we enter the third week of the season, Florida has played only five games.
Despite having a phenomenal team-colored gear setup, Stolarz has yet to get any game action, but that's going to change on Tuesday night when the Panthers host the San Jose Sharks.
Speaking to THN on Monday morning, Stolarz said he was "absolutely" looking forward to getting out there and helping his team earn an important two points, but he also has a veteran's understanding of his role and what is expected of him.
"Obviously, you want to get in the net, but at the same time though, with the way the schedule has been, and the way Bob's been playing, I completely understand it," Stolarz said. "So it's up to me to be ready for my first action. I'm eager to get in there."
While Stolarz might be an eight-year veteran of the NHL, he's never played more than 28 games in a season.
For some goaltenders, having to spend extended time between starts can impact their performance and ability to be consistently solid.
It's something Stolarz knew he had to master if he wanted to not only survive, but thrive whenever given the opportunity.
"I've had a lot of experience with this," he explained. "It's kind of like an attitude, just trying to stay sharp. You want to have a positive attitude."
Since arriving in South Florida, Stolarz has leaned on Panthers Goalie Coach Robb Tallas.
The two are often seen working on different elements and details during practices, whether it be before the on-ice session begins, between drills, or after most of the players have left the ice.
"Tally has been great in terms of trying to have a good plan for us going forward," Stolarz said. "He really tries to focus on one thing, we focus on that and do it for a few days, and then we move on to something else."
Overall, Stolarz said developing and maintaining a strong worth ethic goes hand-in-hand with keeping a positive mindset.
"I just think working hard in practice – staying on the ice late and going on early, working on those things to stay sharp – is obviously a key because you can't really teach game experience, but at the same time, you can do your best to prepare for when your name is called," he said.
The great attitude and excellent work ethic displayed by Stolarz on a daily basis have not gone unnoticed by his new head coach.
"He's a veteran pro goalie who loves coming to work, works hard in practice, and he's a big man," Maurice said. "He's got it figured out. Backup goaltenders have to get the players to love them. And if you do, they'll block shots, they'll do everything for you, and he's done that."
When it comes to a goaltenders with amazing work routines, Stolarz may be able to pick a few things up from his crease-mate, Bobrovsky.
There are few people in the game who dedicate as much time and effort into their craft as Bobrovsky, and when it's to Florida's goaltenders putting in the time and effort so far this season, game has recognized game.
"He's a great guy and he works hard," Bobrovsky said.
A team can only as strong as its goaltenders, and a formidable bond between a starter and backup can be crucial.
Both Stolarz and Bobrovsky recognize that.
"We're building a relationship, I think it's important for our team," Bobrovsky said. "He's an easygoing guy, easy to talk with. It's going to be fun."
Getting into his first Panthers game should be the final piece in Stolarz becoming fully settled into his new digs.
After spending the preseason renting an AirBnb, Stolarz is all moved into his new Fort Lauderdale-area apartment and already has a great handle on the best local spots to visit when he's not at the rink.
Combine that with how good he's been feeling at the rink and things have come together nicely for the Edison, New Jersey native.
"It's been great," Stolarz said. "Obviously off the ice, the weather and the restaurants, everything's been pretty surreal, so I'm enjoying myself down here. At the rink, it's a fun group. It's special to be a part of, and I'm just looking forward to seeing what the season brings and trying to enjoy moment of it.
"We have a good group in here, the guys work hard, and we believe that this team can do special things."
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