Craig Berube Sends Mixed Signals on Anthony Stolarz's Game One Status
Head coach Craig Berube is sending mixed signals to fans and media on which of his pair of goaltenders will be starting in Game 1 of their series vs. the Senators.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to begin arguably their most critical Stanley Cup Playoff series in recent memory, as they'll be taking on the divisional foe Ottawa Senators in the first Battle of Ontario since they last met in the postseason in 2004.
If the Maple Leafs do not advance past the opening round, there will be major changes within the organization that may not be limited to just players.
Under first-year Leafs head coach Craig Berube, Toronto earned the top spot in the Atlantic Division and will enjoy home ice advantage for as long as they're still alive in the postseason.
Not to mention Berube's debut season saw him with the most wins ever in franchise history for a first-year coach. So it's been a rousing success to say the least.
But which of his pair of goaltenders will be getting the nod in Game 1 vs. the Senators on Sunday night?
He all but implied that it would be first-year Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz in his most recent comments, noting his previous playoff experience:
He has experience in the playoffs. 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, who signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Leafs after backing up Sergei Bobrovsky with the Florida Panthers and winning a Stanley Cup, went 21-8-3 with a 2.14 GAA and .926 SVS%; he also posted 4 shutouts.
Berube may just also be playing coy with the Senators and head coach Travis Green, and don't want to essentially show their hand before things are set in stone once they take the ice.
Would the Maple Leafs be making the right decision if they were to entrust Stolarz with the starting responsibilities tomorrow night in their playoff opener?
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 19 | 422 ANSWERS Craig Berube Sends Mixed Signals on Anthony Stolarz's Game One Status Who should the Maple Leafs start in Game 1 of their playoff series vs. the Senators? | ||
| Anthony Stolarz | 406 | 96.2 % |
| Joseph Woll | 16 | 3.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
