Jim Hiller woke up and smelled the coffee on Thursday as he decided to put Anthony Stolarz in net as the Maple Leafs desperately search for a win against Minnesota.
It's a new day for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it's the perfect time for them to get back in the win column. They've got a tough road ahead of them however, and Jim Hiller needs to make sure he's at the top of his game on Thursday night.
That means he needs to make the right line changes at the right times, get favourable match-ups, and make sure he has the right person between the pipes - arguably the team's biggest sore spot.
Stolarz starts as Jim Hiller finally makes a good decision
Which is why he's trying everything in his power to win favour back after some questionable decisions, as he's decided to start Anthony Stolarz over Sergei Bobrovsky:
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Bobrovsky was seen skating sduring the team's optional skate, which is a sign that the team is going to give him the night off, as he'd typically be resting ahead of a start.
He's struggled hard this season, recording a 3-8-2 record with a 3.47 GAA and .881 SV%. While he's shown glimpses of his old self, there has been serious questions about his time as a starter, especially with Stolarz's production.
Despite a couple of rough games this season, Stolarz has been by far and away the better of the two goalies. He has a 5-2-0 record with a 2.72 GAA and .908 SV%.
Hiller had no choice but to start Stolarz against Minnesota
He's given up three or less goals in four straight starts whereas Bobrovsky has only one game this season where he's had less than three goals - he's given up 4+ goals five times this year.
With the Maple Leafs desperate for a win right now, their best bet is putting Stolarz in net and honestly it might be a decision that saves Hiller's skin. He's clearly on the hot seat and getting a lot of flak, so if he makes a move that makes him look good - it buys him time.
As badly as the Maple Leafs need Bobrovsky to get them back on track, right now their best way to do that is to get a win, build up confidence, and end up showing they can handle the pressure when their back is against the wall.
We'll see if the Stolarz decision pays off, but with the team seeking a much-needed victory on Thursday, he's their best bet.
Do you think Anthony Stolarz should be the starter for the Maple Leafs going forward?
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