EKMAN-LARSSON REFLECTS ON 'UNREAL' STANLEY CUP RUN WITH PANTHERS
Not hard to decipher what Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz will discuss when they re-connect at the Maple Leafs’ training facility later this summer.
Something, probably, about hoisting the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.
“It’s hard to take everything in,” Ekman-Larsson said, speaking of what he called the “crazy week” that followed the Panthers’ Game 7 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on June 24. “You’re pretty exhausted from a long year and a long playoff. You’ve kind of been in your bubble. It’s been unreal.
“It was fun doing it with the guys that we had in Florida. That’s something that’s going to be with me for the rest of my life. I’m very thankful for that opportunity and every single guy and person around the team that made that possible. It has been an unbelievable run.”
Ekman-Larsson was asked for a scouting report on Stolarz, who was signed to a two-year deal by the Leafs to help work the crease with Joseph Woll.
“A very good goalie, had a really good year for us,” Ekman-Larsson said. “What I like about Stolarz is that he works really hard and he’s an unbelievable person. I’m happy that he’s coming to Toronto as well. You guys are going to love him.”
And how about playing in Toronto?
“Playing for other teams, I loved coming into Toronto,” Ekman-Larsson said. “It’s a passionate fan base that cares a lot about the team. I’ve heard a lot of good things from players that play there. I’ve been talking to some of the new teammates.
“I love the game. I know everybody in that dressing room loves the game and loves playing for the Maple Leafs. I’m super-excited about that part too.
“That’s what you want. That’s why you play.”
2024-07-04T19:09:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd