One of the games slated for tonight’s NHL schedule is the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Nashville Predators. The Maple Leafs will look to bounce back from their loss to the Ottawa Senators last Saturday. Leafs head coach Jim Hiller will turn to Anthony Stolarz tonight.
Hiller appears to be riding the hot hand, particularly with his decision to name tonight’s starting goaltender. New addition Sergei Bobrovsky, although playing well, has not been able to earn his first victory in a Leafs uniform.
Stolarz, meanwhile, looked great in his start against the New York Islanders last week. That game saw the Leafs earn a 3-2 victory, giving Stolarz his first win of the season between the pipes.
Maple Leafs Goaltender Anthony Stolarz Confirmed to Start Against the Nashville Predators
Following this morning’s optional skate, Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller confirmed the team’s starting goalie for tonight’s game.
According to journalist David Alter of Ozoon, Anthony Stolarz will be starting for the Leafs despite Sergei Bobrovsky taking part in the optional skate.
“Jim Hiller confirms Anthony Stolarz will start tonight,” Alter wrote on X.
“As optional skate begins, Sergei Bobrovsky and regular practice goaltender Brendan Bonello are the only goalies taking part. Anthony Stolarz is not taking part,” Alter wrote earlier on X. “Bobrovsky is out on the ice late. With Stolarz not skating, suggests he is projected starter for tonight against NSH,” he added.
Hiller announced that Anthony Stolarz will be in net for the Leafs’ matchup against the visiting Nashville Predators. It marks his second start of the season.
Toronto aims to get back on track after starting the 2026-27 NHL season with a 1-2 record.
Stolarz Starts: Leafs’ Projected Lines for Matchup vs. Predators
Aside from Stolarz replacing Bobrovsky as the starting goaltender, the Leafs’ projected lines are expected to be unchanged.
According to David Alter, Nick Blankenburg and Zack MacEwen skated as the extras during yesterday’s practice. The lines during practice were as follows:
Marchenko – Matthews – Roslovic
McKenna – Tavares – Nylander
Cowan – Paul – Sissons
Duhaime – Blueger – Groulx
Extra: MacEwen
McCabe – Tanev
Rielly – Raddysh
Ekman-Larsson – Stecher
Extra: Blankenburg
Homecoming for Predators Star
Tonight’s game will also be a homecoming for Predators star Steven Stamkos. The Markham, Ontario native is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and always performs well when he plays at Scotiabank Arena.
Stamkos, 36, is still an elite-level goalscorer in the NHL. He experienced a resurgence last season, finishing with 42 goals and 24 assists for a total of 66 points in 82 games.
This season, Stamkos has picked up where he left off. He currently has two points in the Predators’ first two games and will look to continue that momentum against the Leafs.
Maple Leafs Head Coach Announces Starting Goalie Ahead of Matchup vs. Predators