Anthony Stolarz Injury Update: Craig Berube Reveals Key Details and Return Timeline
With Anthony Stolarz still out for the next little bit, fans are hopeful he's on the mend; now head coach Craig Berube gave a bit of insight into when he'll return.
It was a truly unfortunate turn of events for the Maple Leafs when Anthony Stolarz got injured by a fluke accident against the Anaheim Ducks. After a bit of evaluation, he needed a bit of work to remove some obstruction in his knee and would be on the shelf for over a month.
Toronto has done well in his absence, going 9-5-0 and being led predominantly by Joseph Woll, who is earning his contract extension each game he plays. But the team would love to have him back soon, and if the Leafs can get him healthy; the two could be the best duo in the league.
But there's no idea as to when he'll come back, but head coach Craig Berube is fairly optimistic that he will get back on the ice sooner than later.
Craig Berube's Comments On Anthony Stolarz Spark A Bit Of Hope
It wasn't the profanity-ladened tirade he gave to his players in practice on Saturday, but Berube did give his honest thoughts on when Stolarz may take the ice.
It's hopeful for fans that Berube thinks Stolarz will be back on the ice in some capacity soon.
He's been everything Toronto has needed and then some this season after signing a two-year $5M contract in the offseason.
Posting a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and .927 SV%, showing that not only is he the premier backup in the NHL but is more than capable of leading a team to success.
Joseph Woll has taken the lion's share of the starts in Stolarz's absence, going 7-4-0 and helping Toronto keep themselves in close games, though he did struggle against Carolina; potentially a sign that he needs a break.
Woll for the season owns a 14-7-0 record with a 2.58 GAA and .912 SV%, and while has had his shaky starts, has become Toronto's Mr. Reliable when it comes to goaltending (something the team struggled with for years).
It's a good sign then that Woll gets the night off on Saturday against the Canucks, as Dennis Hildeby will line up in between the pipes.
He is 3-1-0 with a 3.23 GAA and .892 SV% with Toronto this season.
The Maple Leafs face off with the Vancouver Canucks at home; the puck is scheduled to drop at 7pm ET.
