Resuming NHL action, goaltender Anthony Stolarz gets the nod for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The 31-year-old occupied the starter’s net at the Maple Leafs’ morning practice on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena, signaling his return to the crease as the club returns from a two-week break. 

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed the decision post-practice, citing Stolarz’s lengthy time off and upcoming back-to-back as the key reasons for the start – stating that goalie partner Joseph Woll would play Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“When he played, he'd come back and played, and then he didn't end up playing that last game. So he's had a lot of time off,” said Berube. “I want to get him back in there, and we got back-to-back games so that both can play.”

It marks his second start since being sidelined with an injury to repair a ‘loose body’ in his knee in December, causing him to miss eight weeks. Stolarz was stellar in his return on February 6 in Seattle against the Kraken, making 26 saves and posting an impressive .963 save percentage in a 3-1 Leafs victory.

The Hockey News - Anthony Stolarz Shows Swagger In Return, Picks Up First Win In 8 Weeks In Maple Leafs Win Against Kraken Stolarz picked up 26 saves on 27 shots in his return from injury and improved his season save percentage to 929.

Stolarz has impressed in limited action this season, posting a 10-5-2 record with a 2.08 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. When healthy, Toronto’s goaltending tandem has been among the league's best. 

The pair has managed to cover for one another when injuries have occurred, providing stability for the club when needed as they rank second in the Atlantic Division with a 33-20-2 record and 68 points.

The 6-foot-6 netminder was “excited” to get some action before the 4 Nations Face-off break and he’ll look to repeat his performance against Carolina on Saturday night – with the club hoping to redeem themselves from a 6-3 January loss to the Hurricanes.

The Hockey News - ‘That's The Way The Game Goes’: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, Post Career-Worst Minus-6 In Maple Leafs Loss To Hurricanes The Matthews and Marner duo were on the ice for all six even-strength goals against.

“I think we shot ourselves in the foot in that game,” explained Berube. “We played a good first period and did some real good things, but they come at you. They're a pressure team. We all know that. They're in your face. They don't give you a lot of room, and I thought the second period they took the game over. So we've got to handle that pressure better, and simplify our game.”

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