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Maple Leafs Coach Issues Anthony Stolarz's Update Before LA Kings Game
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs had to turn to their backup goalie once again Tuesday night after starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz exited the game against the Boston Bruins.

Stolarz played the opening 20 minutes before the Leafs ruled him out with an upper-body injury. The starter allowed three goals on 11 shots before being replaced by Dennis Hildeby to start the second period.

Head coach Craig Berube addressed Stolarz’s status after the 5–3 loss at TD Garden, providing a positive update on his injury and availability for Thursday's game if he's needed.

"I don’t believe it’s serious," Berube said. "I think he’ll be fine."

Berube explained that the injury occurred during a net-front sequence in the first period.

"It was a play that happened in the first period," Berube said. "It was a battle at the net, and he kind of got a little bit stretched out. It’s something in the upper (body)."

This season, Stolarz has handled the bulk of the starts in Toronto’s crease, with the 31-year-old appearing in 13 of the Leafs' 16 games to date, posting a .884 save percentage and allowing 3.51 goals against on average.

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) during a break in action.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

With Stolarz unavailable, Hildeby took over for the final 40 minutes on Tuesday and stopped 19 of 21 shots.

Asked directly about whether or not Stolarz could start in net on Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings, Berube said, "I hope so. We’ll see."

Going forward, veteran netminder Joseph Woll should be available to share the net with Stolarz once he completes his conditioning stint with the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

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

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