Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz struck a deal with referees ahead of Game 3

Modified Apr 25, 2025 03:37 GMT

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators - Source: Imagn — Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz struck a deal with referees ahead of Game 3- Source: Imagn

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz spoke with referees ahead of Thursday's Game 3 against the Ottawa Senators.

During the playoffs, the "Battle of Ontario" returned to Ottawa for the first time in eight years. The series has been gritty, with high levels of physicality. In Game 2, Stolarz had a heated confrontation with Senators forward Ridly Greig in the net.

To avoid a similar incident, Anthony Stolarz asked the referees to watch his back during the game:

"Watch my back, and I'll behave," he said.

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Anthony Stolarz has been a reliable presence in the goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the series. He has stopped 75 of 79 shots faced, securing victories in the first three Stanley Cup playoff starts.

The 31-year-old netminder has emerged as a key postseason performer for his team. Stolarz and the Maple Leafs are shy of one game from a series sweep victory over the Senators in Round 1 following a Game 3 win.

Anthony Stolraz and the Maple Leafs put the Senators on brink of elimination

On Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime to clinch Game 3. The Senators are now on the brink of elimination, trailing the series 3-0.

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After a goalless first period, Claude Giroux opened the scoring for the Senators on the power play at 1:38 into the second period. Seven minutes later, Matthew Knies scored on the power play to tie it for the Leafs before heading into the final period.

Auston Matthews increased the Leafs' lead to 2-1 just 32 seconds into the period. Brady Tkachuk then evened the scoreline 2-2 at 11:22, forcing overtime. Sam Benoit emerged as the winner for the Leafs with an overtime goal 1:19 into the extra period.

Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews accumulated two points apiece in the matchup, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 18 saves with a save percentage of .900. For the Sens, Giroux notched two points, and Linus Ullmark made 17 saves with an .895 SV%.

Game 4 returns to the Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday with the puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta