The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a bit of early-season drama. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz publicly called out his teammates following a 4-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night. Despite the setback, the Maple Leafs remain one of the stronger teams in the NHL. However, Stolarz’s comments highlight that there is still work to be done.
Criticism this early into the season, after just six games, is certainly concerning. While it’s not entirely unheard of—Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan also called out his team after their first game against the Montreal Canadiens—it nonetheless signals that issues need attention.
For now, it appears the situation is under control. William Nylander was asked about Stolarz’s remarks, and he acknowledged the locker room’s shared frustration with their start to the season.
“I think we can play better but I think our game has been growing. What are we, 3-2-1? It is what it is, but we are a tight-knit group and we move forward from here,” Nylander said. “It’s all good. We’re teammates, he’s a great guy. It’s nothing we need to talk about [in the media]. He talked to me after and it’s all good.”
### Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz Explains Source of Frustration
The Maple Leafs did not bring their best effort on Saturday. They gave the Kraken some easy scoring chances—opportunities a team like Seattle is more than capable of capitalizing on. Additionally, the Leafs didn’t seem intent on making life difficult for their opponents.
One particularly troubling moment occurred in the third period. Toronto defenseman Brandon Carlo stood by as Kraken forward Mason Marchment collided with Stolarz. It wasn’t until Stolarz reacted that anyone on the Maple Leafs jumped in to defend their goaltender.
Stolarz is no stranger to success, having a Stanley Cup to his name. He understands what it takes to reach the goals the Maple Leafs aspire to achieve. His frustration stems from the immense potential he sees within the team.
“I feel we can go all the way,” Stolarz expressed. “Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup and in order to get there it’s a process. We’ve had some discussions, and we love each other. It’s a family in here.”
The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back when they face Jesper Bratt and the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-news-anthony-stolarz-criticism-william-nylander-response