Maple Leafs in crisis as Anthony Stolarz faces injury
- During the game against the Anaheim Ducks on December 12, 2024, Anthony Stolarz left the match after suffering a lower-body injury.
- Head coach Craig Berube officially announced Stolarz's day-to-day status and confirmed that Joseph Woll will take on the starting role amid the injury.
- The Maple Leafs have recalled Dennis Hildeby from the AHL to provide additional goaltending support during Stolarz's absence.
On December 12, 2024, during a hockey game in which the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Anaheim Ducks, goalie Anthony Stolarz sustained a lower-body injury. The injury occurred late in the first period after Stolarz seemed to shake out his right leg following a power-play goal from Anaheim's Frank Vatrano. This incident led to Stolarz exiting the game, prompting immediate concern regarding the severity of his injury, especially in light of his strong performance this season, which included a .927 save percentage and a 2.15 goals-against average. Following the game, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed the injury status of Stolarz, categorizing him as day-to-day. Given the competitive nature of the NHL, this status often indicates that the player may miss several games, carefully monitored by team medical staff to avoid aggravating the injury. Anthony Stolarz, who joined the Maple Leafs last summer, ambled into the season with significant promise, holding a record of 9-5-2 before his injury. To cover for Stolarz while he recovers, the Maple Leafs have decided to rely on Joseph Woll to shoulder the goaltending responsibilities. Additionally, the team made a strategic decision to recall goalie Dennis Hildeby from the AHL's Toronto Marlies on an emergency basis. This move reflects the team’s urgent need for depth in the goaltending position, particularly with a busy schedule ahead, including games against the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres. The situation surrounding Stolarz not only puts him at risk of missing upcoming games but also raises questions about the Maple Leafs’ depth in goal, impacting their performance in crucial moments in the season. The management has shown willingness to adapt quickly, making sure that the team remains competitive even in the absence of a key player. In the coming days, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team copes without Stolarz and whether they can maintain their performance during this challenging period.