JACKSON, NJ – Former Jackson Memorial High School standout Anthony Stolarz delivered a stellar performance at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers despite being heavily outshot.
The Maple Leafs were outshot 35-17, but Stolarz’s goaltending proved to be the difference as Toronto secured its fourth straight win and reclaimed first place in the Atlantic Division with a one-point lead over the Florida Panthers.
Toronto struggled defensively without top defenseman Chris Tanev (upper-body injury), but Stolarz remained steady in net. Matthew Knies netted the game-winning goal off a feed from Auston Matthews at 6:21 of the third period. Mitch Marner also assisted, tying him with George Armstrong for fifth place on the franchise’s all-time points list with 713.
Leafs coach Craig Berube deviated from his usual goaltending rotation, giving Stolarz a second consecutive start due to Joseph Woll being under the weather. Berube also hinted that he hopes one of his goalies will take control as the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach.
Stolarz, a Jackson Memorial High School alumnus, continues to make an impact at the NHL level as his former school prepares to close its doors this fall.