Toronto Maple Leafs Secure 3-2 Win Over New York Rangers with Anthony Stolarz's Stellar Performance

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers, thanks to a stellar performance by goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who made 33 saves in the game. The win extends the Maple Leafs' win streak to four games and seven of their last eight. Matthew Knies scored the winning goal 6:21 into the third period, breaking a tie and giving the Maple Leafs the lead. The goal was assisted by Auston Matthews, who fed Knies in the slot for a shot that beat Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin over his blocker.

The Rangers had tied the game 2-2 at 3:47 of the third period with a short-handed goal by Will Cuylle, but the Maple Leafs' forecheck and Stolarz's goaltending proved to be too much for them. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and William Nylander also scored for the Maple Leafs, while Mika Zibanejad had a goal and an assist for the Rangers. The Maple Leafs' win was also notable for Stolarz's performance, who has now won five games in a row and has a .918 save percentage since returning from mid-season knee surgery.

The Rangers, on the other hand, were without defenseman Adam Fox, who was placed on injured reserve after sustaining an upper-body injury. The team also unveiled a new five-forward power-play formation, which did not fare well in its first attempt. Despite the loss, the Rangers had a strong game, outshooting the Maple Leafs 35-17 and out-chancing them 38-18. However, Stolarz's goaltending and the Maple Leafs' defense were able to hold off the Rangers' attack and secure the win.

In other news, the Dallas Stars have been on a dominant stretch of play, with Jason Robertson putting up 33 points in their last 25 games. The Stars have also adjusted their offensive units, moving Logan Stankoven up to the top line with Robertson and Roope Hintz. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are massive favorites in their game against the Minnesota Wild, who have fallen off after their incredible start to the season. The Avalanche's top line, featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Artturri Lehkonen, has generated chances at an almost unheard-of rate, with a 5.05 xGF/60.

The Maple Leafs' win over the Rangers has significant implications for the team's playoff hopes. With the win, the Maple Leafs have moved up to third in the NHL standings and have a strong chance of securing a playoff spot. The team's goaltending, led by Stolarz, has been a key factor in their success, and they will look to continue their winning streak in their next game. The Rangers, on the other hand, will look to bounce back from their loss and get back on track in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Here are the match scores:

• Maple Leafs: 3
• Rangers: 2

And here are some player statistics:

• Anthony Stolarz: 33 saves
• Mika Zibanejad: 1 goal, 1 assist
• Matthew Knies: 1 goal
• William Nylander: 1 goal
• Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 1 goal

The Maple Leafs' next game is scheduled for Saturday, and they will look to continue their winning streak against a tough opponent. With their strong goaltending and offense, they have a good chance of securing another win and moving up in the standings.

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