WATCH: Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz KNOCKS OUT Ridly Greig in feisty clash during Game 2 against Senators

Anthony Stolarz pushed Ridly Greig and then checked him hard and knocked him down on the ice in the 2nd period during Game 2.

WATCH: Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz KNOCKS OUT Ridly Greig in feisty clash during Game 2 against Senators

Anthony Stolarz pushed Ridly Greig twice and even hacked his leg before checking him hard (Image via Yardbarker/X@BR_OpenIce/Sportsnet)

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz did not hold back on Ridly Greig during Game 2 against the Ottawa Senators. In the game on Tuesday, the goalie knocked out his opponent while he got too close to his net.

Greig once again became public enemy No.1 in Toronto following his vicious hits on Maple Leafs stars in Game 1. He would first cross-check John Tavares and then crash into Stolarz later in the game. This was something that once again ignited strong boos from the fans inside the Scotiabank Arena.

Before Game 2, Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies issued a stern warning to Greig over his antics. The 22-year-old expressed that he and his teammates will go hard on him for the rest of the series.

The altercation between Stolarz and Greig took place in the second period. With the hosts being 2-0 up, the Senators were trying to find a way back into the game. As the 22-year-old kept on hovering around the crease, Stolarz took exception to it.

The goaltender would push him twice with his hands before hacking his leg with his stick. A few moments later, as Greig skated around the net, Stolarz caught him off guard and delivered a brutal cross-check on the Senators star and knocked him out.

The two players would receive minor penalties for their actions. While Stolarz got a two-minute minor for interference, Greig got a two-minute minor for roughing. The Maple Leafs ended up winning 3-2 in overtime with Max Domi emerging as Game 2 hero for the Toronto-based outfit.

Anthony Stolarz comments on his altercation with Ridly Greig following Game 2

After what happened in Game 1, there were chances that things would heat up in Game 2. One big moment apart from the goals came during the second period when Anthony Stolarz knocked out Ridly Greig.

Anthony Stolarz and Ridly Greig
Anthony Stolarz and Ridly Greig (Image via Sportsnet/TSN)

While speaking with the reporters after the game, Stolarz expressed that he did not even know whom he cross-checked and claimed that he was caught up in the heat of the battle.

I just got caught up in the heat of battle. It’s just one of those things that didn’t matter. I didn’t even know who it was. You’re in the heat of the moment.

Anthony Stolarz told the reporters

Stolarz has been in great form in the first two games of the series. The American goalie has conceded just 4 goals through the 61 shots he has faced so far. His strong showing in front of the net has helped the Toronto Maple Leafs do something that they have not done in over 20 years.

The win in Game 2 saw them take a 2-0 lead. This was the first time since 2002 that the Maple Leafs had won Games 1 and 2 of a playoff series and taken a 2-0 lead. That time, they went on to defeat the New York Islanders 4-3 by winning all home games.

Ex-Senators star left stunned with no major discipline against Anthony Stolarz for checking on Ridly Greig

The Anthony Stolarz incident against Ridly Greig was one of the main talking points of another classic game between the two rival teams. While some enjoyed that aggression from Stolarz, some, including a former Ottawa Senators star, were left stunned with no major discipline against the Maple Leafs goaltender.

Anthony Stolarz and Ridly Greig
Anthony Stolarz and Ridly Greig (Image via Sportsnet/CBC)

Taking to his X account, former Sens defenseman and current TSN analyst Marc Methot made his feelings known. Methot was left puzzled with no call from the officials for the various hits, the Maple Leafs goalie delivered on Greig.

I’m going to talk about that Greig/Stolarz non call until I get an answer lol. That was outrageous. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the drama and passion. It makes the series better. But zero call after Greig gets assaulted?

Marc Methot on X

While Methot looks for answers, the Senators will now head back home and try to regroup. The third game of the series will take place on Thursday, April 24, at the Canadian Tire Centre.