Craig Berube's Silence On Anthony Stolarz Injury Raises Concerns
Anthony Stolarz's injury hurt the Maple Leafs in more ways than one, and their head coach's silence on the matter isn't quelling any concerns from fans.
Since leaving Thursday's game against the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury, there has been a lot of concern regarding the severity and extent of the Leafs star goaltender's ailment.
But as Stolarz got placed on the IR on Sunday, things started to get worrisome for Maple Leafs fans, and now their head coach isn't helping matters.
Speaking to media ahead of Sunday's game against Buffalo, Craig Berube was fairly mum on his goaltender's status:
Can Toronto Succeed Without Stolarz?
It's a typical response from Berube as he is known to keep things to a minimum whether they be positive or negative. Playing it safe, he wants to make sure he has all the correct information before going forward.
It's worrying because Stolarz has a history with knee injuries and also underwent surgery in his career. While he could have taken himself out as a precaution, the fact that Toronto is being coy doesn't help dissuade rumors.
Stolarz this season has a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and .927 SV% while being at the top of the league in several categories.
For now, the Leafs need to turn to Joseph Woll to hold down the starter spot in Stolarz's absence. It won't be a big concern though, as he's been on fire so far this season as part of the league's best goaltender tandem.
Woll is 8-3-0 with a near identical 2.16 GAA and .921 SV% as he and Stolarz; along with the revamped Leafs defense, have been the main reason why Toronto is able to keep themselves in games where the offense is lacking.
The Maple Leafs will be in tough on Sunday night as they take on the Buffalo Sabres; a team that has notoriously had the team's number over the past several years.
Toronto needs a big bounce back game and it'll be up to the stout Leafs defense to hold down the fort until Stolarz is healthy again.
