"Although the players continue (and rightly) to say it's just another game, to a large group of the fan base, this isn't just another game. The Golden Knights made it clear in the post-game press conferences that they wanted to beat the Leafs for Marner in their last game. Tonight, back in Toronto, there's no reason to believe they'd feel any less strongly about that."
"Why is Stolarz starting an issue? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that the Leafs are getting Stolarz back. He's a good goaltender and will help this team win games this year, but he hasn't seen game speed in over three months. There is a world where Stolarz plays fantastically, and the Leafs pick up a big win, but that's not my point here."
Anthony Stolarz will start tonight for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time since Nov. 11. Mitch Marner returns to Toronto to face the Las Vegas Golden Knights, the team that drafted him. Players insist it's just another game, but many fans view the matchup as highly significant. The Golden Knights publicly wanted to beat the Leafs for Marner in their last meeting and are likely motivated again. Stolarz has not seen game speed in over three months, creating real concern despite his abilities. A prior instance of starting a backup in a return game drew heavy criticism and a lopsided loss, increasing worries about a similar outcome and a potentially hostile atmosphere.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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