Anthony Stolarz voted the Panthers Unsung Hero, but his heroism effects different parts of the franchise
Coming off a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023, the Florida Panthers had one thing to be pleased with when it came to their performance in the postseason. It was the performance of the goaltending.
Even though former Panther Alex Lyon helped them get into the postseason by going 6-1-1 in the final eight games, it was Sergei Bobrovsky who led the way after Game 3 of the opening round.
Lyon is currently 20-18-5 with a 3.03 goals against average and a .906 save percentage in his first season with the Detroit Red Wings, and has had the majority of the starts down the stretch in the Red Wings pursuit to grab the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.
With Lyon moving on and earning his one-way contract, Florida had to decide which direction they wanted to go in regard to goaltending.
Spencer Knight was still waivers exempt coming into this season. With the need to be patient with goaltending development, Florida turned to Anthony Stolarz this past offseason to backup Bobrovsky, signing a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Panthers.
Florida launched its Goaltending Excellence Department back in 2021, led by Roberto Luongo, goaltending coach Robert Tallas, and Charlotte Checkers goaltending coach, Leo Luongo.
It’s surely paying off as Florida is on track to get their first ever William M. Jennings Trophy.
Prior to their Saturday afternoon tilt with the Buffalo Sabres, an award voted on by Florida’s players was given to the Panther whose successes and self-sacrifices for the team resembled sportsmanship, and dedication are not necessarily reflected in statistics.
The award went to Stolarz.
So far this season, Stolarz is 15-7-2 with a 2.03 goals against average and a .926 save percentage, which both lead the NHL for goalies with at least 25 appearances.
Being the unsung hero has brought multiple organizational benefits, up and down the organization.
Neither goaltender has had to play on both ends of a back-to-back this season. Bobrovsky has been chased three times this season, while Stolarz has not been chased at all.
The duo has also been healthy.
When filling out the lineup, Head Coach Paul Maurice has not had to hesitate before writing the two names down for goaltenders.
Bobrovsky has been able to get the proper amount of starts to feel ready for the postseason. His 58 starts are tied for the fourth most in his career.
If the Boston Bruins get a win of any kind on Monday against the Washington Capitals, that would give them the Atlantic Division title and would likely have Bobrovsky getting a full week off prior to game one of the postseason.
The health of the two has another benefit organizationally. Knight has been able to get a full season in AHL Charlotte, going 24-14-5 with a 2.45 goals against average and a .904 save percentage.
Depending on how far Charlotte goes in the Calder Cup Playoffs, Knight could be a Black Ace with the Panthers during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Knight’s last game played in the NHL came on Feb. 18, 2023, after coming in relief for Bobrovsky in a 7-3 loss against the Nashville Predators on the road.
Knight would enter the NHL/NHLPA’s players assistance program shortly after. His first appearance back with the Panthers came at development camp in late July of 2023.
If Knight is ready to become the full-time backup in the 2024-25 season, his full year in the AHL could reap some major benefits next year and beyond.
Stolarz could get a pay raise this offseason, and with Florida having $3.35 million in Knight on their books this year ($4.5 million if he is on the active roster), another tough decision will have to be made in the offseason.
Bobrovsky's contract goes from a no-move clause to a 16-team no-trade clause on July 1.
With Stolarz, he’s had the opportunity to play in meaningful games in recent weeks to help the That includes a six-game winning streak that lasted from Feb. 15 to Mar. 24, the longest of his career.
“It’s exciting,” Stolarz said on playing important games after his 25-save shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. “I’m usually kind of packing up right now and getting ready to go home. To be in the hunt and in the playoffs is huge and exciting. That’s why you go out there and play these games. They mean a lot to try to play for positioning. You always want to stay ready.”
Stolarz was selected in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He played in 81 games in the NHL prior to this season.
Now, he will be on a postseason roster for the first time in his career come Apr. 20.
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