Breathe, Leafs fans, Anthony Stolarz's return appears to be on the horizon.
The Toronto goalie was back on the ice and participated in practice Friday for the first time since he injured his knee on Dec. 12.
While nothing is imminent, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided some encouraging words. "I don't think it will be a whole lot longer," Berube said after practice, while adding that the goalie is ahead of schedule. "He's doing great, it's very encouraging news."
Stolarz has been one of the better goalies in the league this season after signing in Toronto from Florida. In 17 games, the 31-year-old netminder has a sparkling 2.15 goals-against average and is tied for a league-best .927 save percentage.
He and Joseph Woll have formed one of the better goalie tandems, and Stolarz's absence has put more pressure on Woll to be the main guy. But for the time being, the net is still Woll's.
"Not really," Berube said when asked if the team has a timeline for Stolarz's return. "We're going to have to see him more and get him in full practices. But again he's doing well."
Without the former Panther, the Leafs have relied on Dennis Hildeby and Matt Murray to occupy the backup role. Murray allowed seven goals across two starts, while Hildeby posted an .878 save percentage and 3.32 GAA in six starts this season.
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