"Playoff-Like Atmosphere": Toronto Maple Leafs Star Reveals How It felt To Play Against The Rangers
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, paid a huge compliment to a New York Rangers team that has been characterized as struggling lately. The two teams met on the ice yesterday, as the Maple Leafs ended the Rangers' hopes of a win with a score of 2-1.
The New York Rangers lost their game to the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday in a competitive matchup, 2-1.
In the Scotiabank Arena, Anthony Stolarz felt like the atmosphere echoed a special time of the year in the league: playoffs.
The Rangers put up their best fight against the Maple Leafs, who are perennial contenders in the NHL.
While Stolarz felt as if his team, the Maple Leafs, had put up their best efforts against a newly formed Blueshirt squad.
«It was a good team effort, I thought it was kind of a playoff-like atmosphere,» Stolarz said. «You know, grind it, dump it in, any shot could go in. And it was a good goalie duel. I liked the way that we stuck with our game and stayed patient, didn't try to open it up too much. I thought we started getting pucks in and wearing 'em out. I think that's what we're gonna have to do come the rest of the season here.»
The New York Rangers Depth Talent Comes Out to Play
Stolarz would be peppered with shots, as he made 28 saves on 29 shots against, with a .966 save percentage after the game ended.
He'd give up one goal to depth forward Juuso Parssinen, who scored the only goal for the Rangers,
Captain JT Miller made a cogent point about about the team getting looks, and eventually, they'll be able to capitalize on the opportunities to score later.
«It's easy to go the other way right now, and that's why we're going to be mentally tough in here. We're going to keep pounding pucks at the net and outplaying the teams we're playing against, and it's going to work eventually.»
The Captain is correct that the team will benefit from continuing to crash the net and getting as many chances to score as they can.
The Rangers would succumb to an Auston Matthews OT goal, but Igor Shesterkin would hold his own, ending the night with 22 saves and a .917 save percentage.
They could use this game as a turning point and put their lessons into play tomorrow against the Canadiens for a win.
