Maple Leafs Star On The Verge Of Breaking Drought Dating Back To 1965
It's been almost 60 years since a Maple Leafs goaltender won the Vezina Trophy but Anthony Stolarz is making a strong case this season.
When Toronto signed Anthony Stolarz this offseason, they secured one of the league's best backups who just helped Florida win a Stanley Cup. Coming into this season, he was expected to help Joseph Woll's transition to #1 starter.
But he's been much more than that, and has some serious consideration for the league's top goaltender thanks to his stellar play this season, and could be the first since Johnny Bower and Terry Sawchuk were co-winners in 1964-65.
Anthony Stolarz Is More Than A Backup Goaltender
The main reason behind Toronto's great start for the first third of season is due to the goaltending of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz.
Woll has been great since his return from injury, however it's been Stolarz who is stealing the show. After another fantastic outing against New Jersey, the Leafs netminder has found himself in some big discussion regarding the Vezina.
With the 2-1 OT victory against the Devils, Stolarz brings his season stats to 9-5-2 with a 2.13 GAA and .928 SV%; fantastic numbers that rank him first in save percentage, and third in goals-against.
Signed at a wildly inexpensive $2.5M for this season and the next, it's a coup for Brad Treliving to have picked up such a reliable and consistent goaltender; something Toronto has been desperate for.
But he's shown that he can be much more than just a backup, and he's finally being given a true chance at impacting the game like only he can.
Besides the solid goaltending, Stolarz also amazes Leafs fans; pulling out some wild tricks to keep his team in the game.
Stolarz arguably was the only reason that Toronto won the game, as not only did he come up big with a save to lead to the tying goal, but assisted on the OT winner with his quick reflexes.
To put it in perspective,, the last time a Maple Leafs goaltender won the Vezina it was the year The Beatles debuted in the United States, Ford created the first Mustang, and there were still only the Original Six NHL teams.
It's been a long time coming for Stolarz to show just how good he can be, and it's been awhile since Toronto was recognized for their goaltending.
It seems like both are meant to cross paths, and if he keeps up this pace it'll be inevitable.
