Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz might’ve had a slight oopsie Thursday night, but hey, when your team wins, who’s counting bloopers?
In Game 6 against the Ottawa Senators, Stolarz gave up what can only be described as a “ugh, not again” goal to veteran sniper David Perron. The third-period leak tied things up and gave Leafs fans a mini heart attack… for about five minutes.
Thankfully, Max Pacioretty came to the rescue with a game-winner that sent the Sens packing and Leafs Nation into celebration mode.
Stolarz, who had a rocky outing in Game 4 (4 goals on 21 shots, ouch), bounced back with 20 saves on 22 shots in Game 6. He looked sharp, made key stops when it mattered, and then, dropped a quote for the ages.
Asked postgame about that leaky goal, Stolarz didn’t just keep it real. He went full comedy hour.
“Got a little horny on the poke check,” he said, grinning. “You live and you learn. That’s the life of a goaltender. You just flush it out of your mind because the next shot’s coming, and it’s a more important one than the last one that just went in.”
Safe to say, the man knows how to laugh off a goal and keep moving, classic goalie vibes.
Now, with the Leafs set to face the Florida Panthers in Round 2, things get spicy. The Panthers just steamrolled Tampa Bay, and let’s be honest: this isn’t the dream matchup. It’s a nightmare.
As for Stolarz? His 2.21 GAA looks nice on paper, but a .901 save percentage might have coach Sheldon Keefe pacing. Will he start Game 1? TBD.
One thing’s for sure, if he does, all eyes will be on the crease… and on any future “horny” poke checks.