Dave Hakstol: Anthony Stolarz has ‘done the work,' ready for NHL backup role

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VOORHEES, N.J. — Anthony Stolarz says he is ready and confident to get a few starts in for the Flyers while goalie Michal Neuvirth recovers from a left knee sprain.
 
That is good news because with Neuvirth expected to miss at least 14 games, the Flyers have two sets of back-to-backs and head coach Dave Hakstol said it’s time to give Stolarz a chance to show what he can do. Neuvirth was also placed on long-term injured reserve Monday (see story).
 
Steve Mason will start Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators at the Wells Fargo Center.
 
“It’s a great opportunity for Anthony to continue what he has done over the last year and couple months in the American Hockey League,” Hakstol said Monday. 
 
“He’s proven that he’s ready to be here. We’ll take it day-by-day and decide when that start is, but we’ll have him a starter at some point in time during this stretch.”
 
The Flyers have three games this week. Whether Stolarz plays this soon is debatable. This is his seventh recall to the NHL level.
 
The 22-year-old was recalled from the Phantoms four times last season without playing a game and twice the year before.
 
Neuvirth, who injured his knee last Saturday against Minnesota, will miss four-to-six weeks but won’t need surgery, sources said.
 
The 6-foot-6 Stolarz is 6-2 this season in eight games with the Phantoms with a 2.39 goals against average and .927 save percentage. He practiced with the team Monday at Flyers Skate Zone.
 
The Phantoms have won six consecutive games.
 
“I’ve been preparing myself down in Lehigh Valley all year for an opportunity and I’m trying to make an impression,” Stolarz said. “If my name is called, I’ll be ready.
 
“I’m pretty eager [to play]. I’ve been around the guys a lot. Gotten to know them. Just being around this atmosphere, you want to contribute to the team a little bit. It’s up to the coaching staff.”
 
He said his progression these past two seasons is much further along than when he first joined the Phantoms in 2014-15.
 
“My first year, I kind of struggled a little bit getting adjusted to the pro level,” Stolarz said. 
 
“Over the course of the last year and a half and working with Dilly [goalie coach Kim Dillabaugh] and Brady [Robinson, development coach], they have really helped me improve my game in angle maintenance and rebound control. I want to get that next test and get a shot in the NHL and see what it is all about.”
 
Hakstol said he saw a difference in Stolarz during training camp and was convinced that the prospect has progressed enough to get some NHL games in now.
 
“It comes with experience and maturity and he’s been working hard on his own and working with Kim and our goaltending development staff,” Hakstol said. “He’s a year more mature than he was last year coming up into this situation.
 
“He’s done the work. That’s the bottom line. You never want to see injuries to players on your current roster, but that’s the reality of the league. Anthony is a guy ready to come in here and do a job in the backup role.”

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