Injured Maple Leafs Star Spotted at Practice Ahead of Pivotal Season Stretch
With the Maple Leafs halfway through their season, they got a unexpected but welcome appearance from arguably their most important acquisition.
As the team sits 41 games into the season, not only has Toronto secured top spot in the Atlantic Division but they have done so often times without several of their key players.
All the talk about who the team might pick up on the trade market, or potentially through the free agency pool, there are still some questions surrounding their goaltending. While Joseph Woll has performed stellar so far, they are still without Anthony Stolarz who is expected out for another few weeks.
Anthony Stolarz's Surprise Appearance Sparks Hope
However on Tuesday, Toronto got a much welcomed appearance by the goaltender as he showed up during the team's mentor practice ahead of their game against Philadelphia.
While he wasn't skating or doing any sort of hockey activities, it was a positive sign that he made an appearance and although it's hard to judge from the picture, looks like he is walking under his own power and without assistance.
Though it will presumably be a few weeks before Stolarz makes his return to an NHL game, this glimmer of hope comes at a very crucial part in the season.
It's officially halfway, and Toronto needs to have a strong January amidst a very tough schedule.
This season Stolarz has been incredible in his first season since coming off a Stanley Cup win, going 9-5-2 with a 2.15 GAA and .927 SV%.
He signed with the Maple Leafs this offseason on an absolute steal of a contract with his two-year, $5M deal.
Toronto is going to be in tough against a scrappy and hungry Flyers team who is out for revenge as a result of their defeat at the hands of the Leafs on Sunday night.
Though the Flyers aren't the only ones who may be seeking some vengeance as a result of last game either.
It will be up to Woll to weather the storm but if Tuesday's practice was any indication, he'll be back sooner rather than later. That can only mean good things for Toronto as they head into the playoffs.
