Anthony Stolarz will make his first ever Stanley Cup playoff start on Sunday night when he leads the Leafs onto the ice for Game 1 of their first round series against the Ottawa Senators.

"At the end of the day it’s the same game," the 31-year-old goalie said. "We played 82 of them this year. We’ve been playing our whole lives. You just want to go out there and enjoy the moment."

Stolarz made one 35-minute relief appearance with the Florida Panthers during last year's run to the Stanley Cup, which represents the entirety of his post-season game experience in the NHL. But Stolarz learned a lot from seeing how Panthers starter Sergei Bobrovsky managed the playoff pressure, including before Game 7 of the final against the Edmonton Oilers.

"It was kind of another day for Bobby," Stolarz recalled. "Nothing changed. He had the same routine. We still talked. We still did our little routines in the morning and before the game. That was the biggest thing. You couldn’t really tell if it was a pre-season game or Game 7, his demeanour was the same."

"He didn't start, but he has experience of being there and seeing it," Leafs coach Craig Berube said of Stolarz. "He's been around for quite some time now."

Now in his eighth NHL season, Stolarz believes he has the right demeanour to handle the heat in Toronto this spring. His long journey to this point has provided valuable perspective.

"It’s just the ups and downs I’ve had during my career," he said. "Just going through a lot. I had a couple knee surgeries, so I just think I’m just grateful every time I go out there. Just go out there and have some fun."

Stolarz had plenty of fun this season as he posted a .926 save percentage to lead the NHL.

"He’s one of those guys that likes to keep it light in the room and that benefits his game," said defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who played with Stolarz last season in Florida. "That’s how he goes. Not saying that he’s [not] serious, but that’s the way he approaches things and that helps him be the best version of himself."

As the Leafs chased an Atlantic Division crown down the stretch, Stolarz was excellent, winning his last eight starts with a .950 save percentage. He earned the No. 1 job over Joseph Woll, who appeared in seven playoff games with the Leafs over the last two seasons.

Stolarz missed time from December to February following knee surgery, but still started a career high 33 games. After returning from injury, he never started more than two games in a row.

The Leafs and Senators are now set to play four games in seven days to open their series. Is Stolarz ready for the grind of playoff hockey?

"It’s what you train for in the summers and all the workouts and treatments you get during the season," he said. "My body feels good."

Stolarz waited a long time for this chance. It's a big reason why he signed a two-year deal with Toronto in the summer.

"It's exciting for sure," he said. "I think all the hard work that we've put in this season is kind of leading up to tomorrow. The whole team's champing at the bit to get going here."

The Senators will be starting Linus Ullmark in Game 1. He's a Vezina Trophy winner but, like Stolarz, has never backstopped a team to a series win. The 31-year-old Swede has played in 10 postseason games, but won just three while posting an .887 save percentage. He lost his only playoff start against the Leafs last year when he was with the Boston Bruins.

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Jake McCabe skated in his regular spot........

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