The Toronto Maple Leafs might have a 2-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators, but talk heading to Ottawa isn’t necessarily about how well the Leafs are playing, but about Anthony Stolarz’s beef with Ridly Greig. After he was run into during Game 1, the Leafs’ netminder took matters into his own hands in Game 2. Some thought Stolarz crossed a line in his attempt to get even, but others suggested he was in the right, especially if the officials had no intention of managing the situation and getting Greig under control.
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That said, perhaps the refs knew exactly what they were doing. Evidence suggests that they were allowing Stolarz to exact some retribution before finally addressing the issue. Has their approach to managing this budding feud made things better or worse?
Did Greig Have It Coming?
When Greig wound up in front of the Toronto net in Game 2 and immediately began to feel the brunt of Stolarz’s frustration, the officials let things go for a long time. Eventually, Stolarz was called for a single penalty. Greig got one too. Stolarz likely could have gotten three or four penalties before one was finally called.
Multiple stick jabs and a cross-check were all ignored. Ultimately, both players headed to the box — Stolarz for interference, and Greig for roughing.
Why was so much let go? If you ask a Senators fan, Stolarz got away with near-murder. If you talk to a Leafs fan, the story changes. Sid Seixeiro wrote, “I think it’s pretty obvious why the Sens didn’t get a power play here: Officials well aware that Ridly Greig tried to end Stolarz’s season with 5 minutes left in Game 1 and wasn’t even penalized. Refs let number 41 get his hacks in. No more no less.”
Stolarz Said He Didn’t Even Know It Was Greig
When asked about the exchange, Stolarz either played dumb or might have told a little fib. “I just got caught up in the heat of battle,” Stolarz said afterward. “I didn’t even know who it was. You’re in the heat of the moment.”
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It’s hard to imagine, especially after taking a number in Game 1, that Stolarz wouldn’t have realized Greig was in his crease.
The Senators have made no secret of their game plan to disrupt Stolarz by getting bodies to the front of the net. Greig has…
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