The NHL playoffs are known for their drama, unpredictability, and the emotional rollercoaster they provide. The Bobrovsky vs. Stolarz matchup exemplifies all of that
From a shared Cup run to a looming clash for postseason survival, their story reflects the very essence of the sport.
When the puck drops on May 5 in Toronto, it won’t just be a game—it will be a reunion, a rivalry, and perhaps the start of a new chapter in both of their legacies.
As Bobrovsky aptly said, “It’s going to be good, and it’s going to be fun.”
Anthony Stolarz’s rise in Toronto is a compelling story of perseverance, mentorship, and seizing opportunity.
His heartfelt comments about Sergei Bobrovsky reveal the human side of professional hockey—a world where relationships matter just as much as results.
As Stolarz continues to thrive in Toronto, his success serves as a tribute to the values instilled in him by a veteran goaltender who showed him what it meant to go “above and beyond.”
Now, the student has become a star in his own right—and the league is taking notice.
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Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Anthony Stolarz in Round Two
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up, and one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the second round centers around two goaltenders who were once teammates—Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz.1
Now, they find themselves on opposite sides, each determined to push their team one step closer to hoisting the coveted Stanley Cup.
For the Florida Panthers’ Bobrovsky, it’s about defending a dominant postseason run. For the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stolarz, it’s a chance to prove he’s more than just a former backup.
Conquering the First Round: Identical Stats, Different Journeys
Both Bobrovsky and Stolarz were instrumental in their teams advancing past the first round.
Bobrovsky led the Panthers to a convincing five-game victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, posting a 2.21 goals-against average (GAA) and a .901 save percentage.
Meanwhile, Stolarz backstopped the Maple Leafs through a tougher six-game series against the Ottawa Senators, mirroring Bobrovsky’s numbers with the same 2.21 GAA and .901 save percentage.
Their matching stat lines speak to how evenly matched they are entering the second round. But how they got there is just as important as the numbers themselves. For Bobrovsky, the performance was expected. For Stolarz, it’s a breakout moment.
Kiss my victorious Russian ass @BlueJacketsNHL Big Dick Bobby is a champion and the jackets are a punchline #sameasiteverwas
— Sergei Bobrovsky (@BobsSaysNO) June 25, 2024
From Partners to Opponents: A Respectful Rivalry
During an interview with NHL.com on Friday, Bobrovsky reflected on the unusual situation of facing his former teammate. “We had a good relationship,” he said.
“It was a good partnership last year, but [the second round series] is going to be good and it’s going to be fun. He’s a good goalie and going to be a good challenge for us.”
Their bond from last year—where both were part of Florida’s historic Stanley Cup run—makes this upcoming series even more emotionally charged.
What was once a mentor-mentee relationship is now a fierce but respectful competition, with both netminders aware of each other’s strengths and tendencies.
Sergei Bobrovsky: Shared Glory
A Cup Parade and a Year of Change
Just one year ago, Bobrovsky and Stolarz were side by side in the euphoria of a Stanley Cup parade.2
Florida had finally broken through and lifted the Cup, with Bobrovsky as the star and Stolarz as the dependable backup.
That shared triumph is still fresh in their memories, but it’s now overshadowed by their current goal: winning again, this time on opposite sides.
Bobrovsky remarked on the nature of the sport, calling it unpredictable and ever-changing. “It shows how unpredictable hockey can be,” he said. “One moment you’re celebrating together, the next you’re trying to stop each other from getting there again.”
From Backup to Breakout: Stolarz’s Rise in Toronto
After leaving Florida in free agency, Stolarz signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in a move that many fans saw as depth insurance.
But due to injuries and inconsistent play from Toronto’s goaltending core, Stolarz emerged as a reliable starter when it mattered most.
His calm demeanor, big-game confidence, and solid technical skills have given Toronto exactly what they needed in the playoffs.
This postseason has been a defining stretch for Stolarz, proving that he is more than a career backup. Facing Bobrovsky—his former mentor—is just the latest test in what’s shaping up to be a career-altering run.
Marchand’s New Colors: From Fierce Rival to Trusted Teammate
- As the conversation shifted, Bobrovsky also brought up another surprising twist in this year’s playoffs: Brad Marchand now wearing a Panthers sweater.
- The longtime Boston Bruins agitator and Panthers rival was traded to Florida at the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7, 2025. For Bobrovsky, it was just another example of how fluid NHL rosters can be.
- “In our business, it happens often,” Bobrovsky said. “You know, you play with guys and then you play against them.
- Like, look at Marchand. You never thought you’re going to play on the same team with him, and all of a sudden, we compete together now fighting for our dreams…”
- Marchand’s transition to the Panthers has added experience, grit, and unpredictability to an already well-rounded roster.
- His presence will be especially valuable as Florida prepares to battle a fast and offensively talented Maple Leafs team.
May 5 Showdown: The Stage is Set in Toronto
Game 1 of the second-round series between the Panthers and Maple Leafs is set for May 5 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
It’s expected to be a highly competitive series with plenty of storylines, none bigger than the goaltending duel between Bobrovsky and Stolarz.
With both teams boasting deep rosters and momentum, the series could come down to which goalie can steal a game—or several.
Bobrovsky has the playoff pedigree and has consistently delivered under pressure. Stolarz is playing with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The collision course is set.
Sergei Bobrovsky’s Technique vs. Stolarz’s Poise
Bobrovsky is known for his athleticism, quick reflexes, and high-energy style. He thrives in chaos, making acrobatic saves that deflate opponents and energize teammates.3
Stolarz, in contrast, plays a more composed, technical game. His size and positioning often do the work, allowing him to calmly turn aside shots and control rebounds.
Their contrasting styles will offer fans a fascinating visual throughout the series. It’s not just a battle of stats—it’s a battle of philosophies between the pipes.
X-Factors and the Intangibles
Aside from the goalies, each team has a number of players who could tip the scales.
For the Panthers, Matthew Tkachuk remains a critical piece, providing both offense and edge. Sasha Barkov’s two-way play will also be essential in neutralizing Toronto’s attack.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are riding the hot hands of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Both have had strong postseasons so far and will look to challenge Florida’s defensive structure.
But beyond the stars, it may come down to depth and resilience—something both Bobrovsky and Stolarz understand well after years of navigating the NHL’s highs and lows.
More Than a Game: A Clash of Narratives
What makes this series special isn’t just the talent on the ice—it’s the underlying narratives that give every save and goal added weight.
Bobrovsky, the battle-tested veteran trying to win his second Cup in a row, against Stolarz, the once-overlooked backup now stepping into the spotlight.
Their history as teammates adds emotion. Their roles as goaltenders make the matchup personal. And their mutual respect ensures that this will be a hard-fought, but honorable, series.
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Anthony Stolarz Reflects on Sergei Bobrovsky
A Tribute to a Mentor
When Anthony Stolarz left the Florida Panthers in free agency and joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1 last year, he carried with him not just his goalie pads and gear, but a deep respect for his former teammate, Sergei Bobrovsky.
As a backup goaltender in Florida, Stolarz had a front-row seat to Bobrovsky’s discipline, preparation, and professionalism—qualities that clearly left a lasting impact on him.
“Sergei was a great teammate and a true professional,” Stolarz told The Star shortly after signing his two-year, $5 million deal with Toronto. “I like to pride myself on working hard, but he went above and beyond: getting out early, staying out late, doing lifts, stretches.”
It wasn’t just praise—it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the standards Bobrovsky set, and the influence he had on Stolarz’s growth as a goalie.
Behind the Praise: The Bobrovsky Work Ethic
- Sergei Bobrovsky has long been known for his grueling preparation and tireless work ethic.
- Stories from teammates over the years tell of his detailed routines, including early morning workouts, yoga sessions, and an obsessive focus on physical conditioning.
- He treats every game as a test of both mind and body, and Stolarz was quick to pick up on that dedication.
- “He was one hell of a teammate — I’m going to miss him,” Stolarz added. That kind of camaraderie and mutual respect is rare in a league where roster turnover is high and the pressure to perform never lets up.
- Stolarz’s admiration wasn’t just about performance on the ice—it was about how Bobrovsky conducted himself behind the scenes, in the gym, and in the locker room.
- Anthony Stolarz may have arrived in Toronto as a backup option, but his play has earned him far more than that label.
- So far this season, he has posted a 21-8-3 record, along with an impressive 2.14 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.
- To top it off, Stolarz is currently riding an eight-game winning streak, which includes three shutouts.
- For a goaltender who was largely used in a limited role in Florida, this breakout campaign in Toronto is a testament to his readiness and growth—something he credits, in part, to learning from Bobrovsky.
Sergei Bobrovsky: The Power of Preparation
A Shared Philosophy
What unites Stolarz and Bobrovsky is their shared belief in preparation.
In a league where games can hinge on a single mistake, goaltenders often live and die by their routines.
From stretching regimens to mental visualization techniques, the smallest details matter.
Bobrovsky’s influence is evident in the way Stolarz prepares for each start. Observers in Toronto have noted his focused pre-game warmups and his ability to stay locked in throughout games, even when under siege.
That kind of composure doesn’t come overnight—it’s built over time, often by watching the greats do it day in and day out.
An Unlikely Journey to NHL Relevance
Stolarz’s journey to becoming a key NHL contributor hasn’t been smooth. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, he spent years battling injuries and bouncing between the AHL and NHL. Many wondered if he’d ever find his footing in the league.
But he kept working. And when the Florida Panthers gave him a chance, he made the most of it, quietly studying under Bobrovsky while contributing solid performances when called upon.
Now in Toronto, he’s no longer just a depth piece—he’s a difference-maker.
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Future Matchups: Stolarz vs. Bobrovsky
The hockey world eagerly awaits the next faceoff between the Maple Leafs and the Panthers—a matchup that will pit Stolarz against his old team, and possibly even Bobrovsky himself.
There’s more than two points on the line in those games. There’s pride, mutual respect, and the desire to prove oneself.
For Stolarz, it’s a chance to show how far he’s come since leaving Florida. For Bobrovsky, it’s an opportunity to face a former understudy who’s now very much a threat.
Their showdown could be a highlight of the season.
A Professional Bond That Transcends Rivalry
In a sport driven by rivalries and competition, the bond between Stolarz and Bobrovsky stands out. It’s a reminder that even among competitors, there can be deep respect and admiration.
Stolarz’s comments weren’t obligatory pleasantries. They were sincere, a reflection of how much he valued his time in Florida and the lessons he took from Bobrovsky.
Whether they meet on the ice in a high-stakes playoff game or simply trade glove taps during warmups, that bond will always be there—etched into the fabric of their careers.
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