Anthony Stolarz Goes Viral After Stopping the Rangers Without His Mask

Against the New York Rangers, Anthony Stolarz was visibly upset as the referees did not spot that he had his mask removed while the play was active, having him making an unreal stop while facially exposed.

Stolarz had his mask come off after taking a shot to the face, making a save while unprotected as the referees blew the whistle seconds later, with John Tavares signaling for the stop in play.

The netminder was visibly annoyed as the play ended, clearly expressing dissatisfaction towards the situation, the play in which should have been blown dead earlier.

Having been injured due to a concussion last playoffs, Stolarz clearly is serious when it comes to avoiding any major injury, especially to his head.

Stolarz ultimately made 28 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against the Rangers, dominantly overall for Toronto in a goalie battle between New York's Igor Shesterkin, who has been one of the top goaltenders to start the season.

Fans were stunned with Stolarz's big save, ecstatic over his ability to compose himself without the mask and continue to fight.

Anthony Stolarz later told TSN's Mark Masters after the game that he didn't know why his mask came off, but it's something that will need to be fixed, noting a similar incident happened to Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill.

The save was one example of Stolarz putting the work in regardless of the situation, and remaining composed in net during a potentially dangerous situation for himself.

Masks have been mandatory for netminders in the NHL since 1979, with the last time a player in the NHL has played without facial protection being in 1974.

Stolarz took on a massive win against a New York Rangers defense that has done well shutting down their opponents, but Toronto ultimately bested the Rangers, who despite their lack of goals allowed, have their own lack of goals scored.

In a big win for Toronto, Anthony Stolarz put his body on the line in the literal sense, and came up with a major moment in part to a major win for the Toronto Maple Leafs, relying on Stolarz to be a massive part of the team's success.