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Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Altercation with Senators' Ridly Greig Splits Opinions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 6:05 AM ET

The second game of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ playoff series against the Ottawa Senators brought back more drama following the heated developments of Game 1.

On Sunday's series opener, Senators forward Ridly Greig delivered a controversial hit that struck Maple Leafs' John Tavares in the neck area as the Leafs forward finished a check.

After that, Greig collided with Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz later in the third period.

In Tuesday's Game 2, the netminder found an impromptu moment to deliver his unabashed retaliation, sparking strong reactions from two former NHL players—Paul Bissonnette and Marc Methot.

Midway through Game 2, Stolarz issued multiple stick chops on Greig and dropped him with a shoulder check near the net.

Both players received minor penalties—interference for Stolarz and roughing for Greig—and prompted Bissonnette and Methot to share their thoughts on the situation.

The Carpenter handles his own business. Chop his legs off next time. That’s your paint. #LeafsForever
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) April 23, 2025

Paul Bissonnette didn’t hold back on X.

“The Carpenter handles his own business,” Bissonnette wrote. “Chop his legs off next time. That’s your paint.”

Marc Methot, a former Senators defenseman, took the opposite view.

“I’m going to talk about that Greig/Stolarz non call until I get an answer lol,” Methot posted. “That was outrageous. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the drama and passion. It makes the series better. But zero call after Greig gets assaulted?“

I’m going to talk about that Greig/Stolarz non call until I get an answer lol. That was outrageous. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the drama and passion. It makes the series better. But zero call after Greig gets assaulted?
— Marc Methot (@MarcMethot3) April 23, 2025

Stolarz himself addressed the incident after the game when asked about it by the media during his post-game availability.

“I just got caught up in the heat of battle,” Stolarz said. “It’s just one of those things that didn’t matter. I didn’t even know who it was. You’re in the heat of the moment.

“That’s playoff hockey.”

The Maple Leafs won Game 2 in overtime thanks to Max Domi’s goal at 3:09 of the extra frame, making it 3-2.

Morgan Rielly and John Tavares opened the score with back-to-back goals in the first period. Brady Tkachuk and Adam Gaudette answered for Ottawa with goals in the second and third frames, respectively.

Stolarz made 26 saves in Game 2 and has now allowed just four goals on 61 shots through two games.

The series now shifts to Ottawa's Canadian Tire Centre for Game 3 on Thursday with the Maple Leafs boasting a commanding 2-0 lead over the Senators, who are not in "panic," as relayed by team captain Tkachuk on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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