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The Toronto Maple Leafs are breaking their goaltending rotation.
Anthony Stolarz occupied the home net at Saturday’s morning skate, and head coach Craig Berube confirmed he’ll get the start for the second consecutive game as the Leafs host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night. After starting Wednesday's 3-2 win against his former team, the Florida Panthers, the 31-year-old goaltender will return to the crease following two days away from game action.
“I liked his last game a lot. And I just think I can get him into consecutive games,” said Berube following Saturday’s on-ice session. “Then we have a back-to-back series against Florida teams. Really, that’s all the thinking going into it was. I was just trying to find a little consistency here moving forward as we go along. I’m going to have to split them the next two games, and then we’ll go from there.”
Stolarz was solid in his most recent start, making 29 saves in a performance that helped the Leafs outlast the Panthers and inch closer to securing the top spot in the Atlantic Division. On the season, Stolarz holds a notable 17-8-3 record with a 2.34 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.
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‘There’s Still A Lot On The Line’: Maple Leafs Strengthen Atlantic Division Grip With Crucial Win Over Panthers, Secure Ninth Straight Playoff BerthThe Toronto Maple Leafs took another step forward towards securing the top spot in the Atlantic Division on Wednesday night with a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Leafs (96 points) hold a small lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning (93 points) and Florida Panthers (92 points), with all three teams having played 75 games. Next week, the Leafs have a back-to-back set against the Panthers, followed by the Lightning, two crucial games with major implications for the seeding in the Atlantic Division.
That’s why Berube is already planning ahead. The expectation is that both netminders will see game action, splitting the road series and allowing the coaching staff to assess where the club should turn in the crease as the postseason inches closer. Though Berube had noted the team would decide on a lone start for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he’s since backtracked on those comments – waiting to see how the final stretch unfolds.
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'We'll Go Over It At Some Point': Has Craig Berube Changed His Tune About Going With A Goalie Tandem In The Playoffs?The Toronto Maple Leafs have been platooning goaltenders Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll all season long. While Stolarz seems to have a slight edge on Woll to start Game 1 of the playoffs, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked if he'd consider a tandem situation for the playoffs. At this point of the season, every point matters in the tight race for the top spot in the Atlantic. The Leafs will be facing a Blue Jackets team in desperate need of some points, sitting four out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The club will need to bring their best on Saturday as it seeks its fourth straight victory.
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