Major Controversy Erupts Over Anthony Stolarz Starting Back-to-Back vs. Ducks

Thankfully for the Maple Leafs, they were able to walk into the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night and come away with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. A strong two-goal performance from a fired up John Tavares and a solid start from goaltender Anthony Stolarz ended up being the difference makers.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs goalie, it was a great showing from a player who has struggled recently, and with so many questions regarding who is going to start for the team in the playoffs, this is the kind of performance both Stolarz and the Leafs needed.

So with a second leg of a back-to-back in Anaheim on Sunday night, there's a lot of debate over who should start.

Should Toronto ride the hot hand and have Stolarz start twice in a row? Or should they let Joseph Woll have some redemption?

Safe to say, the team and fans have no idea and it's causing a ton of arguments.

To state that choosing which goalie to start is divisive would be a huge understatement. Both men have made arguments this season to start in the playoffs, and both have shown they might not be able to handle the pressure.

For some, it's going to be a debate that will last until the end of the playoffs; whenever that is.

Some are on the Stolarz train:

While some are less than entertained by the idea of starting the goalie two times in a row:

Granted, Woll does need his shot at redemption and playing a much weaker Anaheim team as opposed to the mighty Panthers is a good idea on paper. However, look at his past few games against weaker teams.

Five goals against San Jose, four against Nashville, five against Pittsburgh, and he's only let in two goals or less in four of his last 11.

These really aren't confidence building numbers, and if he can't handle the bad teams, there's no chance against the elite.

Woll though struggling recently has put up good numbers, with a 24-13-1 record with a 2.80 GAA and .905 SV%, adding one shutout as well.

Stolarz hasn't been stellar but he has been better, but starting a goalie who already missed a month-plus with an injury, it doesn't bode well; plus the team he got injured against? Anaheim.

Though he missed that time earlier this season, he's posted a 15-8-3 record with a 2.40 GAA and .917 SV% with one shutout as well.

It's a big debate over who to start, and while the optics show that Stolarz should get the majority of the nods going forward, nothing is guaranteed.

Though if both men can pick things up and stay consistent?

It won't matter, and it'll be up to the offense to unload knowing they have a couple of brick walls in the crease.