Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz is gearing up for a fierce second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers, highlighting his friendships with key players like Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart. Stolarz shared a unique story about how Reinhart fostered his cat, Sunny, which adds a personal touch to their rivalry. With both teams known for their aggressive play and net-front presence, Stolarz acknowledged the challenge of navigating the Panthers' offensive prowess in the crease.

Stolarz emphasized the importance of controlling rebounds and making key saves, especially against high-danger shots. His performance so far matches that of his former mentor, Sergei Bobrovsky, as both goalies boast identical save percentages and goals-against averages entering the series. This matchup also showcases the Leafs’ reliance on Stolarz and backup Joseph Woll, which has been a significant upgrade in goaltending for Toronto. As the playoffs heat up, Stolarz's experience and preparation will be crucial in facing a team that recently hoisted the Stanley Cup.