Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Struck Deal With Referees Before Game 3
Before the puck dropped, Stolarz approached the referees with a bold but reasonable request: “Watch my back, and I'll behave.” The statement was about his concern on physical play near the crease, particularly after multiple altercations with Senators agitator Ridly Greig earlier in the series.
Stolarz’s Strategy for Protection Pays Off in Leafs’ Game 3 Win
Stolarz’s request came after a heated Game 2, where he and Greig exchanged slashes and shoves around the net, resulting in offsetting penalties. Understanding the hostile environment in Ottawa, Stolarz made it clear he expected the officials to keep an eye on any extra contact, vowing to maintain his composure if they did.
“They’re gonna come to the net, they’ve got some big guys, and it’s up to me to fight through traffic, find that puck, and smother it,” Stolarz later explained.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz what a legend might be my favorite goalie in the NHL #LeafsNation pic.twitter.com/OTI4jnD4aR
— The cfb lliason (@realfbllliason) April 23, 2025
The approach worked.
Stolarz delivered another stellar performance, stopping 18 of 20 shots to help Toronto take a commanding 3-0 series lead. With a 1.95 GAA and .926 save percentage through three games, Stolarz has not only solidified his role as the Leafs' starter over Joseph Woll but also set the tone for a team looking to end their 58 year Stanley Cup drought.
As the series heads into Game 4, the Maple Leafs will once again lean heavily on Stolarz's calm presence—and, as Stolarz hopes, perhaps a little continued cooperation from the referees.
Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
