PHILADELPHIA – One game does not a career make, but Anthony Stolarz made a big step in the right direction Sunday when he won his NHL debut game, 5-3, over the Calgary Flames.
“Being able to win your first start is huge,” Stolarz said. “Kind of gets you a little more comfortable. I think my pro debut in the American league, I don’t think I won for the first five games.”
Anthony Stolarz won his NHL debut
WATCH: All Flames vs. Flyers highlights
Stolarz, a New Jersey-native, made 29 in the win.
“He was outstanding today,” forward Jakub Voracek said. “He made himself big when he needed to. He made huge saves in the second period there when the game was 2-1, 3-1. Was really important for us. It was good to see him get that first win.”
Philadelphia got goals from Voracek as well as Wayne Simmonds, Chris VandeVelde and Roman Lyubimov.
“When you’re getting production from all four lines, it’s a good thing,” Simmonds said. “That’s what takes teams really far in this League, when you’re getting production from everybody. Thought those guys have done a good job this year, and they were lights-out tonight.”
The Flames played a lackluster game and ran up against a fired-up Flyers team protecting a rookie goalie.
“I was very disappointed with our guys after the first,” Flames coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I let them know that and it didn’t get any better in the second.”
Calgary goal scorers included TJ Brodie , Matthew Tkachuk and Alex Chiasson.
Chad Johnson made 38 saves in the loss.
“We probably don’t use any of it (game film). It’s how we play tomorrow and we can just have a fresh start when we wake up in the morning,” Tkachuk said of the Flames effort.
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