With Toronto heading into a must-win game against the Canucks, they are making a change in net as Sergei Bobrovsky's lacklustre play holds them back.
Everything was fine and dandy when the Maple Leafs strolled into Calgary last Monday. They were on a four-game win streak, had just clobbered the Oilers 7-2 and riding high as they finally looked ready to compete with the rest of the Atlantic.
But some more unfortunate injuries have led to more lineup shuffling, and the team has lost two straight including a heartbreaking loss to the Kraken on Wednesday night after storming back to tie the game late.
Maple Leafs make urgently needed change in net ahead of Vancouver game
It was Sergei Bobrovsky who was unable to put it together on Wednesday in another mediocre showing that has been the story so far this season. Pushing his record to 3-5-2, he's certainly struggled and it's starting to cost Toronto.
Which is why with a must-win against the lowly Canucks, the Maple Leafs are taking no risks in net, as they are putting Anthony Stolarz between the pipes to make sure they have the best possible chance at winning:
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Stolarz has been a revelation this season, especially after there was so much chatter coming into the season. He's settled in though, with a 4-1-0 record, a 2.79 GAA and .907 SV% which is eons above the level of production he put up lsast year.
He's healthy, he's keeping Toronto in games, and despite having a rough start against Utah, it's really the only blemish compared to Bobrovsky's multiple failed appearances.
Why the Maple Leafs had to made the change in net
Well, given that the team needs to get a win, they need to put in a goalie who is going to give them that chance. Bobrovsky has had glimpses of greatness, but has struggled against the most pedestrian shots all year.
It also is a deserved start for Stolarz considering how far he's come from last year, and if there is anyone who can settle things for Toronto - it's him. Though, the team still needs to be careful as to not give him too much work, which is why Bobrovsky's struggles are amplified.
Toronto needs momentum as they head back home and Stolarz is the best person to give them that opportunity. Bobrovsky will get his time to recover, but perhaps a mental reset is in order.
Let's just hope that Stolarz can keep up his production because if not - then the Maple Leafs could be in serious trouble.
Do you think that Anthony Stolarz should be the starter for the Maple Leafs going forward?
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