Overview
- Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter versus the Utah Mammoth as the coaching staff gives Sergei Bobrovsky a night off after heavy recent usage.
- Stolarz enters the role with a 2-0 record and a .904 save percentage in his two starts this season, numbers that underpinned the decision to start him.
- John Tavares returned to the lineup on the second line and resumed his spot on the Maple Leafs’ top power-play unit after missing the previous game for the birth of his child.
- The team placed veteran defenseman Chris Tanev on injured reserve and called up Marshall Rifai, with Nick Blankenburg skating among the extras to bolster defensive depth.
- Auston Matthews’ strong early form, capped by being named the NHL’s first star of the week, gives Toronto offensive momentum while coaches manage goalie workloads and short-term injuries.