The Maple Leafs catch a break on both sides of the crease ahead of Avalanche game
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have some great news ahead of their game vs. Colorado as Anthony Stolarz skated with the team and they could have luck on their side tonight too.
As Toronto continues to ride the wave of their hot streak since coming out of the holiday break, they are going to have to contend with the NHL's top team as the Avalanche are dead set on breaking not only records, but hearts as well.
They haven't lost in regulation at home yet this year and look like genuine contenders and there's not many teams who will be able to withstand the relentless offensive and defensive engine Jared Bednar put together.
Toronto gets Stolarz back with the boys; luck out on opposing goalie
The Maple Leafs should still feel confident heading into the game, and practice ahead of tonight's tilt saw some pretty important progress being made.
Anthony Stolarz was seen skating with the team for the first time since his injury in early November, a huge sign that he is on the road to recovery and could be back in due time.
Stolarz has been skating but prior to practices and oftentimes on his own or with another of Toronto's injured players, so to see him back in the fold is great news. He has a 6-5-1 record with a 3.51 GAA and .884 SV% so far this season.
Craig Berube also didn't rule out that fans could see Stolarz before the Olympics, as he told reporters on Monday that his progress is going well and there's potential for an earlier return than anticipated:
I don't have a date targeted I think he's getting pretty close.
But the Maple Leafs may have some luck on their side too, as it looks like the Avalanche are going to have a rookie goaltender between the pipes and could take advantage of the situation:
It won't be easy though, as the Avalanche's Trent Miner is coming off a shutout for his first NHL win, but being tasked with keeping Colorado's home undefeated streak alive against one of the hottest teams in the league is no small feat.
How Toronto can capitalize on Colorado's rookie goalie
If the Maple Leafs can take advantage by pounding the net with shots, creating lots of traffic and trying to use as much of their size as possible, considering Miner is only 6'1.
Big players like Nicolas Roy, Matthew Knies, Steven Lorentz and Bobby McMann all have to make sure they don't get pushed around in the crease and make things as hard as possible for Miner.
Toronto will counter with Woll, and it is interesting to note that the team has Stolarz listed as the third-string goaltender in case of emergency and while it's extremely unlikely he suits up; him being involved is still something to note.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12|655 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs catch a break on both sides of the crease ahead of Avalanche game Who do you think has the advantage between Colorado and Toronto? | ||
| Maple Leafs | 202 | 30.8 % |
| Avalanche | 278 | 42.4 % |
| Equal Split | 175 | 26.7 % |
| List of polls | ||