Stolarz helps Leafs beat Kraken in return to lineup

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was sharp in his return to the lineup Thursday, stopping 26 of 27 shots to help secure a 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken.

Stolarz hadn't played since injuring his knee Dec. 12 against the Anaheim Ducks, resulting in a 24-game absence.

The 31-year-old netminder underwent surgery to remove a loose body the size of a "little pebble" in his knee, general manager Brad Treliving said in December.

Stolarz had been outstanding in his first season with Toronto before the injury, authoring the NHL's best save percentage (.927) and second-best goals-against average (2.15).

Toronto signed Stolarz to a two-year, $2.5-million deal last offseason after he won the Stanley Cup as the Florida Panthers' backup goalie.

Star winger Mitch Marner also returned to the lineup Thursday after missing Toronto's previous contest against the Calgary Flames with a lower-body injury. He notched his 500th career assist with a secondary helper on Philippe Myers' opening tally.

The Maple Leafs' win was their third straight and brought them to within one point of the Florida Panthers for the Atlantic Division lead with two games in hand.