Is Anthony Stolarz the real deal?

[Strangle]

The leafs so far are a completely different team defensively under Berube. The goalies will benefit from that. Small sample size but it’s noticeable

The Leafs have been better defensively than they’ve been given credit for over the past 2-3 years. Unfortunately, they’ve had Campbell (not even in the league anymore) and Samsonov in net letting them down.

But I agree, this year the defense is even better.

With the firepower they have up front and an expectation that goals against will be much lower this year, expect them to really have a shot at winning the Atlantic this year.

They thought I was crazy for saying this is the prediction thread, but when you look at it by goals for and goals against compared to the past, I think the Leafs are the best team in the division

It’s close, though

 

[Leafshater67]

I think so . Last year wasn’t a fluke and I think he’s been good for some time. I doubt he continues Vézina pace but he’s big, calm and positionally solid. Nothing about his run screams fluke.

He’s a very calming goalie to watch. He’s always in the right position and is a bit “boring” but his puck tracking and positioning is almost always bang on. He’s the opposite of someone like Korpisalo lol

 

[hirawl]

How do you jump from someone asking the question if Stolarz is legit to take on a bigger role than he has in the past to planning the parade? What did I miss here?

Easily tbh. Because a) it's an obvious joke and b) with a tiny bit of truth in the mix.

Getting hung up on the a) only adds to the b). Peace.

 

[KevinRedkey]

Stolarz is good. It's more a question of workload and consistency.

Don't forget Garret Sparks who was supposed to be the goalie of the future after his dominant AHL season in 2018

And Matt Murray. The belief in him was way too high for a guy as cooked as he was/is.

 

[Team_Spirit]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1848552105549685042

 

[Jumptheshark]

He's good, let's see how he handles a higher workload

Streaky

 

[Mike C]

Took a chance on him on all my fantasy teams. He did extremely well last year for the Panthers, in a limited number of games, leading the league in GAAs among goalies starting 25 games or more. He has the talent, and he is making me look prescient.

I have him in fantasy too. Traded Owen Tippet to get him. So far so good!

 

[ThrowDemTongs]

Solid. Let's see how he does this year.

 

[TheDoldrums]

He's started 5 games and hasn't given up more than 2 goals in any of them so that'll do just fine

 

[SnowblindNYR]

The Leafs are playing as well defensively as I've seen from them.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

The Leafs are playing as well defensively as I've seen from them.

The Leafs haven't been that bad defensively for a few years. It's the lack of offense in the playoffs that's been the issue.

 

[Schennanigans]

He’s looked pretty great so far. We’ve been pretty good defensively and the coaching has been a huge improvement.

 

[jani]

At least a good and reliable fit for the current Leafs "work hard" system. Could be much more, time will tell.

 

[McHelpus]

It's October.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

It's October.

Wasn't aware until this second. Thank you.

 

[Honour Over Glory]

At 30 (31 in Jan)? Maybe, maybe not. Leafs have a history of these career back-ups that have a hot moment and then fade out or can't sustain it the more games they get. This early, there's zero reason to even ask this question right now, I'd wait until 40 games or so and then ask, because at least then he should have a fair amount of starts under his belt to see if he's capable of being a very late bloomer starter.

 

[centipede2233]

Stolarz does get the benefit of playing in berube’s defensive minded system as well as treliving getting tanev and OEL.

 

[Peasy]

Easily tbh. Because a) it's an obvious joke and b) with a tiny bit of truth in the mix.

Getting hung up on the a) only adds to the b). Peace.

Pretty stale "joke"

 

[Lahey]

Pretty sure I hear that about a Leaf goalie every year until they suck again

Woll was the real deal last season

Kinda like how we all hear about Lou Lam signing some 4th liner to a 6 year deal or something along those lines

 

[ShootIt]

He played well for Florida. Good signing for the Leafs tbh

Just got to love the one time I watched him live he couldn't stop a beach ball vs the Ducks.

 

[Warden of the North]

Until proven otherwise, no. And by that I mean a 1A starter at 50+ games

 

[HockeyVirus]

Not sure how anyone can say anything tbh. We haven't seen any other goalies play aside from Hildebeast who gave us .913 in his first NHL game. Woll returning tonight, he is usually a slow starter after injury.

We'll have our answer in Jan if he is actually some legit starting goalie, or just a good goalie playing behind a great system and team that is battling hard every night.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

the next Reimer

 

[genk]

Is Reimer the real deal?
Is Bernier the real deal?
Is Andersen the real deal?
Is Campbell the real deal?
Is Samsonov the real deal?
Is Woll the real deal?
Is Stolarz the real deal?

A tale as old as time.

I don't understand the point of this post? Reimer, Andersen, Campbell were the "real deal" while in Toronto. Woll also appears to be good in limited action.

 

[PaulD]

I said it when they got him. He will be the number one goalie in Toronto and the best goalie the Leafs have had in years. But real deal? Time will tell.