Toronto’s surprise starter steps up with clutch saves in Game 1 victory over Ottawa

TORONTO – NHL PLAYOFFS: If you’re still asking, “Who?” after Anthony Stolarz stoned Brady Tkachuk on a breakaway early in the second period—go ahead and learn the name. Because Stolarz just might be the guy Leafs Nation’s been waiting for.

The 6-foot-6 goalie was rock solid in his first-ever NHL playoff start, turning aside 31 shots and backstopping the Toronto Maple Leafs to a commanding 6-2 win over the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round.

Heading to Game 2, the Leafs Nation is looking for more of the same.

Let’s be real—goaltending has rarely been the Leafs’ calling card over the last two decades. One playoff series win in 21 years is the stat that keeps Toronto fans up at night. But Sunday night, Stolarz gave the team—and the city—a glimmer of something different: a clutch goalie performance when it mattered most.

“Timely saves are huge,” said Leafs head coach Craig Berube. “And Stolie made the one we needed most.”

That save? Tkachuk bearing down on a clean breakaway just 1:10 into the second. Leafs up 2-1. Momentum hanging in the balance. And Stolarz, cool as ever, kicks it aside like he’s been doing this forever.

From Backup to Breakout

Let’s not forget: Stolarz had never started a playoff game before Sunday. His only taste of postseason action was 34 minutes in relief during Florida’s blowout Cup Final loss last season. But after winning his final eight regular-season games with the Leafs—including three shutouts—the job was his to lose.

And Game 1? He owned it.

“Look, when my number’s called, I just want to make the big save,” said Stolarz. “That’s my job. That’s playoff hockey.”

There was a scare late in the third when Ridly Greig lost an edge and slid awkwardly into Stolarz, sending Maple Leafs Twitter into a frenzy. But fear not, fans—Berube confirmed Monday it was a scheduled rest day and Stolarz is fine. Even said it himself.

“He blew a tire and clipped me a bit,” Stolarz shrugged. “But I finished the game. No problem.”

The Belief Is Real

No one’s more convinced than Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who not only opened the scoring in Game 1 but also shared a locker room with Stolarz last year in Florida.

“You could tell he had it,” Ekman-Larsson said. “He just needed the shot. He’s big, he moves well, and he’s a total gamer.”

The Senators, meanwhile, will need to regroup fast before Game 2 at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night (7:30 p.m. ET). Tkachuk’s miss was costly, and so far, the Leafs have all the jump.

“We’ve seen this movie before,” said one Toronto fan outside the rink. “But maybe this time, the ending’s different.”

📊 Quick Hits

• Anthony Stolarz: First playoff start, 31 saves, zero nerves.

• Toronto’s playoff goaltending history? Forgettable. Until now.

• Stolarz joins a short list of Leafs goalies who’ve delivered in crunch time—maybe the start of a new chapter?

• Leafs now lead the series 1-0. Game 2 Tuesday. Get the popcorn.