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The Toronto Maple Leafs needs to be thrilled with the contributions of their new gamers.
After dropping their season opener 1-0 to the Montreal Canadiens, the Maple Leafs gained two straight video games, downing the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Saturday. Whereas the Leafs haven’t been good in any of their video games, seeing their acquisitions produce some constructive outcomes is an effective signal.
However to this point, the Maple Leafs’ finest new participant is Anthony Stolarz.
The 30-year-old netminder allowed just one aim (and a power-play aim, at that) towards Montreal and simply two targets on 23 pictures towards Pittsburgh, with one at even power. Stolarz appeared assured and structurally sound as Penguins stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang examined him.
Additionally wanting strong Saturday was first-year Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev. The 34-year-old blueliner was one in all Toronto’s most relied-on penalty-killers, logging 4:32 of shorthanded time, simply behind veteran Jake McCabe (4:34) because the Leafs’ prime man on the PK.
Just like in the first two games, Toronto was undisciplined, giving the Penguins 4 power-play alternatives. However Leafs coach Craig Berube relied on a blended bag of veterans and newcomers – together with fourth-line winger Steven Lorentz, Mitch Marner, Pontus Holmberg and Matthew Knies to stave off the Penguins’ assault.
Related: Maple Leafs’ New Players Driving Force Behind Improved Penalty Kill And Defense
That mentioned, Stolarz has executed every thing the Leafs hoped he’d do once they signed him to a two-year contract value $2.5 million per season this summer season. In two video games within the Blue and White, Stolarz posted a 1.54 goals-against common and a .940 save proportion, a lot better than his already-decent profession common of a 2.67 GAA and .915 SP. Whereas his present numbers are unsustainable, Stolarz has been a relaxing affect on his teammates and an intimidating presence for opponents. Even after he provides up a aim, Stolarz hasn’t allowed it to rattle him.
Toronto was lucky that prospect Dennis Hildeby stepped up when referred to as upon in a back-to-back recreation scenario earlier this week. However Stolarz has made his case to be the Leafs’ No. 1 choice in web each time teen Joseph Woll returns from harm, and he has made that case convincingly to this point.
The Leafs’ subsequent problem comes Wednesday once they host the Los Angeles Kings. Stolarz has earned the precise to be between the pipes. He doesn’t must steal video games, but when he can discourage the opposite workforce’s shooters by being constantly above common, the danger Toronto took by signing him will change into glorious.
The Buds’ web scenario has been a supply of drama for a while now, but when Stolarz can settle in and present Leafs brass and followers he’s deserving of taking part in not less than each different recreation – if no more than that – all concerned will likely be thrilled.
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