PHL Anon
We recently reported Flyers goaltender Michal Neuvirth will be out of action for three weeks due to a lower body injury. Many are worried as Neuvirth has been solid as a backup this season, so much so that many have discussed him supplanting Steve Mason as the permanent starter for the Flyers. So is it time to panic? Maybe not.
A name many know, but tend to forget about, is Anthony Stolarz. The Phantoms’ 22-year-old starting goalie that has had ups and downs as a prospect, but is currently having his best season in professional hockey, and has shown tons of development and potential.
Stolarz has been called up in Neuvirth’s absence, and while many of you will say that he won’t see any action, guess again. Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol had this to say:
Obviously it’s going to be a critical game when he does go in, and he’s had a real good year to prepare for this, and I think he’ll be ready to help us.”
In 42 games this season, Stolarz has gone 19-15-7 with a 2.59 goals against average, and a .916 save percentage. That’s up from his 9-13-4, 3.28, and .905 in 31 games last season as a backup. While his statistical improvement is great to see, that’s not the area we should be most excited about. Stolarz had this to say about his development:
My mental toughness is better and I’m able to bounce from allowing an early goal. There’s been games this year I’ve given up three goals in the first period and we’ve come back and won the game. Last year, I kind of lacked that.”
He credits working with goaltender coach Kim Dillabaugh and goaltender development coach Brady Robinson in training camp for improving his composure.
Also, Stolarz understands the situation and is excited for the opportunity.
It’s a playoff push for these guys and I want to keep going out and keep working hard in practice and try to make them better, and they’re trying to make me better. It’s a good feeling, and if my name’s called, I’ll be ready.”
While many may worry about him seeing game action, I think this is going to be a great barometer of his development both technically and mentally. Also, with the influx of prospects heading to the Flyers within the next two years, we could get to see our future franchise goalie playing in front of future stars like Gostisbehere.