‘Best Goaltending In The League’: Former Maple Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe Commends Anthony Stolarz After Toronto Picks Up Stunning Victory

The Toronto Maple Leafs emerged victorious in a tightly contested 2-1 overtime showdown against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, thanks to stellar goaltending from Anthony Stolarz. Despite being outshot 39-16, the Leafs extended their dominance in New Jersey, securing their ninth consecutive road win against the Devils and second this season.

Sheldon Keefe, now the head coach of the Devils, is 0-1-1 against his former team but he didn’t hold back his praise for Toronto’s goaltenders after the game. “Best goaltending in the league on the other side of the ice,” Keefe said, reflecting on a night when Stolarz stole the show.

The game marked a new season low in shots for the Maple Leafs, with just 16 on goal. Their previous low was 20 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on November 8.

The Devils dominated early, outshooting the Leafs 15-1 in the first period – a league-low for any team in the opening frame this season – but Stolarz stood tall, keeping the game scoreless through 20 minutes.

Pontus Holmberg’s heroics came midway through the third period when he notched his second goal of the season short-handed, forcing overtime. Stolarz, however, was the true difference-maker, stopping 38 of 39 shots and posting a .974 save percentage and a .097 goals-against average (due to overtime). His performance ensured the Leafs avoided their first three-game losing streak of the season.

Post-game, Keefe reiterated that he felt good about his team despite the loss – and he should, considering they deserved to win the game in every facet of the ice – minus the goaltending department.

“I thought that was the best game we’ve played all season. I’m leaving here feeling good about our team tonight,” said Keefe.

The win improved Toronto’s road record to 5-5-2, complementing their dominant 12-4-0 mark at home. Injuries to key offensive players have hampered the Leafs' scoring depth, but the goaltending tandem of Stolarz and Joseph Woll has kept them competitive.

Stolarz, who has now played 16 games this season, boasts an 8-5-2 record, a .928 save percentage, and a 2.13 goals-against average. Woll, meanwhile, has a 7-3-0 record with a .919 save percentage and a 2.20 GAA, forming one of the league’s most reliable duos when healthy.

Related: Maple Leafs' Goaltending Tandem Has Never Looked Stronger As Joseph Woll Earns NHL's Third Star Of The Week Honours

The club’s ability to grind out tight contests, like this one in New Jersey, is continuing to underscore the increasing role their goaltenders are playing in their success. It may not be pretty, but they get it done – and elite netminding can make all the difference.