“He might be their ace in the hole”: Anthony Stolarz wins Don Cherry's wild card vote of confidence before pivotal opener for Toronto Maple Leafs

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Don Cherry believes Anthony Stolarz may be a wild card for the Toronto Maple Leafs
• The seasoned broadcaster views the Ottawa Senators as favorites according to season statistics
• Stolarz looks relaxed, focused, and ready to make his mark in the Leafs' playoff push
  

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz is moving into the limelight, and not without provocation. On the eve of a crucial game, Don Cherry, the long-time NHL color commentator famous for his blunt observations, made a divisive prediction about the 30-year-old goalie. Don Cherry thinks Anthony Stolarz could be the Toronto Maple Leafs' ‘ace in the hole’—or their worst weakness.

Don Cherry discusses how Anthony Stolarz will make or break Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff

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The pressure-packed atmosphere surrounding this game is only growing, especially as the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to host the Ottawa Senators, who took the season series. Don Cherry used in his comments the Ottawa Senators' 14-5-1 run in their last 20 games and general dominance in recent meetings. He seems sure that the Toronto Maple Leafs have every right to believe in Anthony Stolarz between the pipes.

Don Cherry, a fellow who gained recognition for his in-your-face hockey commentary , never hesitated to speak his mind. On his podcast, he pointed out the statistics: Ottawa Senators scored on the Toronto Maple Leafs 9-3 in their games this season, and the Maple Leafs were unable to score with a single power play against them. And yet, he thinks Stolarz is the man — but with a condition.

"Well, he's the guy that should start. He should start," Don Cherry said. "He might be their ace in the hole. He'll either be good or he'll be really bad."

This is nothing new to Anthony Stolarz, who has had a bumpy NHL path since he was 45th overall in 2012 by the Philadelphia Flyers. With a brief foray into college hockey, Anthony Stolarz set himself apart with the London Knights, building a foundation for a professional career that has required toughness at every turn. From spells with the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks, the goalkeeper now has the opportunity to justify himself for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Now the Maple Leafs are counting on that experience paying off in clutch performances. With Joseph Woll hurt and Ilya Samsonov streaky, the onus falls on Stolarz to keep the door shut.

Also read: Toronto Maple Leafs capitalize on Ottawa Senators' playoff inexperience in commanding 6-2 win

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reaching a pivotal moment in their season, and everything suggests that Anthony Stolarz will be right in the middle of it. Though Don Cherry's comments may have had an edge to them, they emphasize just how critical Stolarz's play will be. For a player who's experienced trades, disappointments, and victories, this could be his moment in blue and white.