Anthony Stolarz Set to Start for Maple Leafs vs. Kraken as Nylander Remains Sidelined
The Toronto Maple Leafs are turning back to goaltender Anthony Stolarz for Thursday night’s tilt against the Seattle Kraken, hoping the veteran netminder can find his rhythm after a rocky return to the crease.
Stolarz made his first start in over two months on January 23 against Vegas, following a lengthy absence due to a nerve issue. It wasn’t the comeback he-or the Leafs-were hoping for.
The 32-year-old gave up five goals on 30 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Golden Knights, a performance that left plenty of room for improvement. On the season, Stolarz holds a 6-6-1 record through 14 appearances, with an .880 save percentage that reflects the inconsistency he’s battled this year.
With Joseph Woll backing him up, Stolarz gets the nod again as Toronto looks to stabilize its goaltending situation amid a stretch of uneven play. The Leafs are banking on the big-bodied netminder finding his form quickly-especially with the playoff race tightening and every point starting to feel a little heavier.
Meanwhile, William Nylander continues to sit out with a lingering groin injury that’s clearly wearing on the star winger. He was a full participant at practice but skated with the extras and won’t suit up against Seattle. Nylander hasn’t played since aggravating the injury during a January 15 game against Vegas, and the frustration is starting to show.
“It’s been frustrating,” Nylander admitted earlier this week, referencing both his extended absence and a moment of visible irritation caught on camera during Sunday’s loss to Colorado. “I haven’t missed this amount of time since I can remember.”
Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the toll the injury has taken on Nylander, both physically and mentally. “Willie’s gone a long time in his career without missing games and it’s been different this year for him,” Berube said. “He came back and then re-injured it again pretty quickly, so it is frustrating.”
Toronto’s forward group will also be without Jacob Quillan, who was among the extras at practice. The rookie saw limited ice time in Sunday’s loss to the Avalanche and was a healthy scratch in Tuesday’s defeat to Buffalo. He’s still in the mix, but for now, he’s watching from the outside.
On the blue line, Marshall Rifai and Philippe Myers skated as extra defensemen. Rifai, called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Wednesday, brings a physical edge and a willingness to battle in front of the net-qualities the Leafs could use more of, especially against a Seattle team that thrives on greasy goals and second-chance opportunities.
Projected Maple Leafs Lines vs. Kraken:
Forwards:
- Bobby McMann - Auston Matthews - Max Domi
- Matias Maccelli - John Tavares - Matthew Knies
- Nick Robertson - Nicolas Roy - Calle Järnkrok
- Steven Lorentz - Scott Laughton - Easton Cowan
Defense:
- Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo
- Jake McCabe - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- Simon Benoit - Troy Stecher
Goaltenders:
- Anthony Stolarz (projected starter)
- Joseph Woll
With Nylander still sidelined and Stolarz looking to bounce back, Thursday’s game offers a chance for the Leafs to reset and respond. It’s a team still searching for consistency, and with a physical Kraken squad coming to town, Toronto’s depth and resilience will be tested once again.