What Happened
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller told reporters that Anthony Stolarz will start in goal Wednesday against the New York Islanders, the second half of a season-opening back-to-back. Stolarz, 32, is in his third season with Toronto and is set for a backup role behind Sergei Bobrovsky. Hiller also said forward Bo Groulx will enter the lineup, though he declined to say who comes out.
Key Details
- Stolarz is making his season debut after Toronto opened the season Tuesday.
- Bobrovsky allowed three goals on 24 shots in a 3-2 loss to Montreal.
- Stolarz had a .893 save percentage and 3.28 goals-against average in 26 games last season.
- Toronto missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 10 seasons.
- Groulx, 26, had three goals and five points in 13 games for Toronto last season.
- Two of Groulx's three goals last season were game-winners.
What It Means
Stolarz gets the second game of the back-to-back after an injury-disrupted 2025-26, with Toronto having added two-time Stanley Cup winner Bobrovsky as its No. 1. The start gives the Maple Leafs a look at their backup early in the season. Groulx's insertion suggests lineup turnover on the second night of a back-to-back, though Hiller did not specify who sits.
What's Next
Toronto continues its season-opening back-to-back Wednesday against the Islanders. Hiller has not said who will come out of the lineup for Groulx, leaving that decision to be revealed at game time.