Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz may not join the team in Florida for the next leg of their second-round playoff series against the Panthers, following a concerning injury that forced him to leave Game 1. The incident, which saw Stolarz take two significant blows to the head, has raised serious questions about his availability moving forward.
Anthony Stolarz injury raises concerns after two head hits in Game 1
Anthony Stolarz was struck in the mask by a wrist shot from Florida's Sam Reinhart during the first period of Game 1. The more serious collision came in the second period when Panthers forward Sam Bennett crashed into the crease and made contact with Stolarz's head.
Despite remaining in the game initially, Stolarz became visibly ill on the bench during a television timeout and was escorted to the locker room before being taken to the hospital for evaluation. He was later released, but questions remain about his condition.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed skepticism about Stolarz’s chances of traveling with the team for Game 3, stating, “I doubt it, at least right away.”
Joseph Woll likely to continue in net as series heads south
With Stolarz sidelined, backup goaltender Joseph Woll has stepped up. After replacing Stolarz in Game 1, Woll surrendered three goals on 20 shots but helped preserve a 5-4 win. He followed that with a solid Game 2 performance, stopping 25 shots in a 4-3 victory as Toronto took a 2-0 series lead.
Sam Bennett, who has drawn criticism in the past for physical play, was not penalized for the hit and received no supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety. Addressing the incident, Bennett said, “Looking back at the video, really the contact that was made was, in my opinion, it's really just a bump… The last thing I’m thinking about is elbowing him in the head.”
Bennett also acknowledged the personal connection, as Stolarz played for Florida last season. “Stoly is a great friend of mine… That’s why I reached out,” he added.
Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Is Brady Tkachuk staying loyal to the Senators—or setting up a surprise exit?
Anthony Stolarz injury raises concerns after two head hits in Game 1
Anthony Stolarz was struck in the mask by a wrist shot from Florida's Sam Reinhart during the first period of Game 1. The more serious collision came in the second period when Panthers forward Sam Bennett crashed into the crease and made contact with Stolarz's head.
Despite remaining in the game initially, Stolarz became visibly ill on the bench during a television timeout and was escorted to the locker room before being taken to the hospital for evaluation. He was later released, but questions remain about his condition.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed skepticism about Stolarz’s chances of traveling with the team for Game 3, stating, “I doubt it, at least right away.”
Joseph Woll likely to continue in net as series heads south
With Stolarz sidelined, backup goaltender Joseph Woll has stepped up. After replacing Stolarz in Game 1, Woll surrendered three goals on 20 shots but helped preserve a 5-4 win. He followed that with a solid Game 2 performance, stopping 25 shots in a 4-3 victory as Toronto took a 2-0 series lead.
Sam Bennett, who has drawn criticism in the past for physical play, was not penalized for the hit and received no supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety. Addressing the incident, Bennett said, “Looking back at the video, really the contact that was made was, in my opinion, it's really just a bump… The last thing I’m thinking about is elbowing him in the head.”
Bennett also acknowledged the personal connection, as Stolarz played for Florida last season. “Stoly is a great friend of mine… That’s why I reached out,” he added.
Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Is Brady Tkachuk staying loyal to the Senators—or setting up a surprise exit?
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