The Toronto Maple Leafs have no more excuses when it comes to their goaltending. What was once a mild concern has become a real one — and Saturday’s loss to the Boston Bruins provided additional reasons to wonder what’s next. ‘We all have to improve, including the goalkeeper’ head coach Craig Berube said afterplay.
Anthony Stolarz, who earned a multi-year extension after a breakout 2024-25 season, was withdrawn after giving up four goals on 19 shots. His save percentage has dropped below .890 and his confidence has taken a hit.
Toronto, which ranked fourth in save percentage last season, is now near the bottom of the league in goals conceded per game. There are too many chances against him, but Stolarz knows he has to do better. “I’ve got to hold on and make it. I mean, give up the first two shots? Not a good way to start the game,” he said.
Related: Maple Leafs Recall Dennis Hildeby After Hurricanes Lose Goaltender
Stolarz then apologized to backup Dennis Hildeby, who was unexpectedly called upon to take over in goal when Stolarz was pulled. “He was great. I mean, I put him in a… situation,” Stolarz said. “But he came in and handled it like a true professional and played well.”
So what now? As the Leafs wait for Joseph Woll to return, Berube suggested Stolarz was starting to show signs of fatigue. If he can’t be relied on to make extra starts, where do the Maple Leafs go?
Woll’s impending return should help, but there are no guarantees of that. Woll has struggled with consistency and injuries, and there is a serious risk of relying on him too much. Hildeby may get more backup time, but that means running with three goalies and asking him to take on too much too quickly also comes with risks.
Are the Maple Leafs looking elsewhere for help?
That puts GM Brad Treliving in a familiar place: looking for help. The waiver wire didn’t accomplish much, and with Cayden Primeau losing to Carolina, Toronto’s depth has been thinned even further. Don’t be surprised if the Leafs quietly reach out to a veteran on short notice.
It’s still early, but the warning signs are starting to appear. Stolarz may get another chance, Woll can stabilize the crease, but Treliving, who has a reputation as one of the most active General Managers in the NHL, needs to pick up the phone behind the scenes and make the calls.
Next: Analysts discuss Easton Cowan’s frustration with Marlies Move
#Maple #Leafs #goaltending #problem #harder #ignore