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Anthony Stolarz shines in defeat, Red Wings down Maple Leafs 3-1

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Jeremy Tingly | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 10:06 PM ET

Don’t tell Anthony Stolarz it’s just preseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender looked in mid-season form Thursday night, making 40 saves in a 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Stolarz put on a show, with his lone gaffe coming on the Red Wings’ second goal, after his failed clearing attempt on a loose puck in front led to Alex DeBrincat finding the back of the net. Toronto didn’t make it easy on him throughout the game by any means, as it was a parade to the penalty box.

With a new contract under his belt and some long-term job security for the first time in his NHL career, 2025-26 is setting up to be a monster season for 31-year-old Stolarz. Add in the fact Joseph Woll isn’t available at the moment, and Stolarz could see a lot of action in October. Don’t be surprised to see him start seven of the first eight games. Vezina Trophy incoming? If he plays like he did against the Red Wings, Stolarz could run away with it.

Head coach Craig Berube iced what is likely going to be the exact lineup who will face off against the Montreal Canadiens in the season opener. Auston Matthews supplied the only offence, scoring a power-play goal early on in the first period. Morgan Rielly was able to get the puck on net right off the draw, Matthew Knies tracked down a loose puck in front, and quickly put it on a tee for Matthews to finish it off.

Auston Matthews converts on the power play pic.twitter.com/W4S4E4LtIV

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) October 2, 2025

The Leafs captain finding the back of the net is exactly what Matthews is looking for in his second, and likely final preseason game. At 100% healthy to begin the year, it will be fun to watch how hot of a start Matthews can get off to this season.

As for the rest of the Maple Leafs’ lineup, while Easton Cowan didn’t have his best game, he certainly didn’t play himself out of a roster spot. Cowan appears to have the leg up on Calle Jarnkrok and Nick Robertson, both of who could be healthy scratches to open the new year. Matias Maccelli had a good game against Detroit, showing off his ability to make the right pass in traffic, and some timely vision to create. Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, and Dakota Joshua appear to be starting the season as the Maple Leafs new third line, however, Maccelli saw some ice with William Nylander and John Tavares late, as Berube was searching for a spark.

The Maple Leafs move to 2-2-1 on the preseason, with their finale coming Saturday in Detroit. While there’s still a few questions to be answered before the puck drops ‘for real’, who is starting in net game 1 of the season isn’t one of them.

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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