The Toronto Maple Leafs held their first full skate of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, a day before the puck drops for Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators. While head coach Craig Berube didn’t officially name his starting goaltender for Game 1, his words left little doubt, with all signs pointing to Anthony Stolarz getting the nod. 

“He has experience in the playoffs,” Berube said after practice. “He didn't start, but he has experience of being there and seeing it. Like I said, he's been around for quite some time now. He's had a great year like both of our goalies, so he's played extremely well this year, and so he's ready to go.”

Stolarz’s body of work this season makes a compelling case.

The 31-year-old posted a 21-8-3 record over 34 appearances in the regular season, with an impressive 2.14 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. He ended the 2024-25 campaign going 8-0-0 with an impressive 1.37 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage, and three shutouts to close the year. That stretch seems to have solidified his status as the Game 1 starter.

Signed by the Leafs in the summer to a two-year, $5 million deal, Stolarz showed upside but risk, given he hadn’t played in more than 28 regular-season games in a year. Fast forward to April 2025, and that investment has paid off handsomely. Not only has he delivered elite numbers, but he’s brought stability to the Leafs’ crease.

Stolarz joined Toronto after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in the 2023-24 season. Though he only appeared in one playoff game and didn’t start during that run, backing up Sergei Bobrovsky gave him a front-row seat to learn what it’s like to be an NHL starter in the postseason. 

“I mean, just the ups and the downs. Every game is basically a one-game series,” Stolarz explained. “You have to have a short-term memory. But just being able to watch a true pro like him last year helped me a lot and has prepared me to get ready for this year.” 

Asked why he believes his lack of playoff starting experience won’t be an issue, Stolarz pointed to his mindset. The netminder has battled through various knee and lower-body injuries throughout his career, including this season, and his demeanor has been years in the making, shaped by the ups and downs he's had to overcome.

“Just my demeanor. I'm extremely blessed and grateful to be able to play this game. And, the way I look at it, just another game, just go out there, and have fun. I'm a competitor,” said Stolarz. "So to be able to battle with 20 other guys that are going to be out there, it's going to be a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to it.”

“I think it's just the ups and downs I've had during my career,” he added. “Just kind of going through a lot. I had a couple of knee surgeries, so I just think that I'm just grateful every time I go out there. Just go out there and have some fun. Like I said, it's an extremely special group in this room. I'm looking forward to getting out there and battling with them.”

‘I Like To Not Be The Typical Goalie, Like, The Weirdo’: Anthony Stolarz Earns Second Shutout, Emerging As Maple Leafs’ Top Option Ahead Of Postseason With just six games remaining in the regular season, Anthony Stolarz is making a compelling case to be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ starting goaltender when the puck drops for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Ahead of his first postseason start, the Edison, NJ., native was able to learn from his former goalie partner, Bobrovsky, on how the 15-year NHL veteran handles himself in high-pressure situations.

Specifically, Stolarz noted how Bobrovsky’s consistency in routine and ability to treat every day the same stood out, regardless of the stakes.

His level-headed approach clearly left a lasting impression.

“It was kind of another day for Bobby. So, nothing changed. He had the same routine. We still talked. We still did our little routines in the morning and before the game. So, I think that was the biggest thing,” Stolarz explained. “You couldn't really tell if it was a preseason game or game seven. His demeanor was the same as it would have been in each one.”

‘I Just Think I Can Get Him Into Consecutive Games’: Why Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz Will Start For Second Straight Game Against Blue Jackets The Toronto Maple Leafs are breaking their goaltending rotation.

The Goalie Tandem

The Leafs, meanwhile, have confidence in both of their goaltenders. 

Joseph Woll, who played in 42 games during the regular season, posted a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. The two have operated as a tandem this year, giving Toronto stability and options in the crease – something Berube emphasized.

“We've got a lot of confidence, but it's a team game,” Berube said. “As good as they've been, we've got to play good defense and track, and I think our team has done that. So definitely we have confidence in both guys.”

'We'll Go Over It At Some Point': Has Craig Berube Changed His Tune About Going With A Goalie Tandem In The Playoffs? The Toronto Maple Leafs have been platooning goaltenders Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll all season long. While Stolarz seems to have a slight edge on Woll to start Game 1 of the playoffs, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked if he'd consider a tandem situation for the playoffs.

Woll has proven himself capable in big moments, too, having stepped in during last year's first-round series against the Boston Bruins when the team moved on from then-starter Ilya Samsonov. But for now, it seems to be Stolarz’s net.

For Stolarz, this opportunity is what he envisioned when he signed with Toronto – a chance to compete for the crease and play in meaningful games as a starter.

“It's exciting for sure. I think all the hard work that we've put in this season I think is kind of leading up to tomorrow,” said Stolarz. “So I think the whole team's chomping at the bit to get going here.”

"It Was Probably The No. 1 Thing For Me': Why Anthony Stolarz Chose to Sign With The Maple Leafs With Joseph Woll already out due to injury, Stolarz is already getting more starts than he expected. But he certainly knew the possibility was there.

That chance looks to become reality on Sunday.

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