Anthony Stolarz credits blue line in 11th consecutive win as Maple Leafs take 3-0 series lead

After another back-and-forth affair, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a 3-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators Thursday night following a second consecutive 3-2 overtime win.

Holding the Senators to just two goals through all three games in the series so far, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has no doubt been a star for the team, now riding an eleven-game winning streak, including the regular season. Speaking after Thursday’s win, Toronto’s netminder was quick to credit his defence in helping fend off Ottawa’s attack.

“I think our attention to detail in the defensive zone has been extremely disciplined, extremely detailed,” Stolarz said. “I think, what, they had two shots, three shots in the third period again, so kudos to the guys.”

Over the last two games, Toronto’s blue line has managed to hold the Senators to only six total shots on goal in both third periods. And despite Ottawa pulling off a third period goal in both contests, it proved to be a crucial effort nonentheless in forcing overtime, where the Leafs put it away both nights.

While Stolarz has been a difference maker for Toronto in the postseason so far, Ottawa’s tying goal in the third Thursday was clearly one Stolarz would have liked to have back, as Tkachuk tucked an easy one short side.