The Leafs may have gotten it wrong with Anthony Stolarz on Friday, and it wasn't Berube's call
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Anthony Stolarz surprised many when he started vs. Vegas, and while it wasn't Craig Berube's decision, the choice was made by someone even more intriguing.
Making his first appearance in over two months, Anthony Stolarz looked a bit rusty though seemed to settle in a bit as the game went on. Still, it was a surprising decision given he hadn't made any AHL starts despite being sent down for conditioning.
Craig Berube was pressed after the game as to why Stolarz returned prematurely and he admitted that it wasn't his decision and that his hands were seemingly tied.
So who then decided to give the okay? Brad Treliving? Keith Pelley?
Anthony Stolarz decided to start all on his own
Well it was none other than the goaltender himself according to Darren Dreger.
Dreger appeared on TSN's FirstUp program and explained that it was Stolarz who said he was ready to go, as he felt recovered enough to make a return -- games or no games to get ready:
It was ahead of schedule, by everything I was told he was aiming to be back for the end of January.
It would have been more along the lines of this week. I'm glad you brought this up Carlo because there was some discussion on the pre-show, and there is some clarity in this situation.
Berube was pushed a little bit on why Stolarz got that start as opposed to playing one or two games in the AHL, he said 'not my call'. So then was it management? Someone with a different perspective?
That is not the case, coaching and management wanted Stolarz to play a game with the Marlies but he said no to the chaos. He thought 'I'm physically refreshed, I'm mentally recharged, I'm good to go; put me in'.
This was more about Stolarz instituting his will and want to get back into that net.
It would have been more along the lines of this week. I'm glad you brought this up Carlo because there was some discussion on the pre-show, and there is some clarity in this situation.
Berube was pushed a little bit on why Stolarz got that start as opposed to playing one or two games in the AHL, he said 'not my call'. So then was it management? Someone with a different perspective?
That is not the case, coaching and management wanted Stolarz to play a game with the Marlies but he said no to the chaos. He thought 'I'm physically refreshed, I'm mentally recharged, I'm good to go; put me in'.
This was more about Stolarz instituting his will and want to get back into that net.
It's a genuine surprise to see that Stolarz was able to supersede management and the coaching staff given you'd think they'd have more ability to override his decision but it seems like players have a lot more power than we think.
Stolarz needed more time, and might never be the same again
Stolarz was not too sharp against Vegas giving up five goals on 30 shots, including two goals in the first ten minutes of the game.
Shockingly, Stolarz actually put in a better performance against Vegas than he had the two previous games he played way back in November.
That pushed his record to 6-6-1 with a 3.63 GAA and .880 SV%, which is really not the level of player Toronto needs nor what they're paying for. Granted, Stolarz's extension kicks in next season but if he's constantly hurt and unable to regain that form then it's another wasted deal.
Chalk it up to a lack of actual game preparation, him not being 100% despite saying otherwise, or just an unlucky night.
But whatever Anthony Stolarz is doing won't help Toronto much until he turns things around, and with his injury history and what we've seen so far; that might be too much to ask.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 26|1265 ANSWERS The Leafs may have gotten it wrong with Anthony Stolarz on Friday, and it wasn't Berube's call Did Anthony Stolarz make a mistake by returning to the Maple Leafs too early? | ||
| Yes | 1093 | 86.4 % |
| No | 172 | 13.6 % |
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