Maple Leafs’ Stolarz injured, exits in 2nd period

Drama Unfolds as Maple Leafs’ Stolarz Exits Game 1 with Injury

In a night filled with high stakes and intense action, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series. The game, held at the Scotiabank Arena, took a dramatic turn when Toronto’s goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, was forced to exit midway through the second period. The incident occurred after Stolarz took an elbow to the head from Florida forward Sam Bennett.

Despite the setback, the Maple Leafs managed to secure a 5-4 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series. However, the game was not without controversy, as no penalty was called on the play that injured Stolarz. The veteran goaltender initially stayed on the ice for a few minutes before appearing to vomit on the bench, leading to his removal from the game. Backup goaltender Joseph Woll stepped in to finish the game, ultimately securing the win for Toronto.

Stolarz was later seen leaving the arena on a stretcher and was taken to a local hospital, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. Before his exit, Stolarz had made eight saves on nine shots, helping the Maple Leafs maintain a 4-1 lead over their Atlantic Division rivals. Woll, who took over in net, allowed three goals in the third period but managed to hold on for the victory.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed his frustration over the non-call on Bennett, stating, “Elbow to the head. Clearly. Clear as day. I’m not sure why there wasn’t a call on it, but it was clearly a penalty.” On the other side, Florida coach Paul Maurice deferred to the officials’ judgment, saying, “The referee is standing right there when it happens. The league will do its thing [in reviewing the play]. And I will coach the next game. Hopefully.”

Bennett was not available for comment after the game, leaving many questions unanswered. Stolarz, who had been a key player for Toronto in their first-round series victory against Ottawa, recorded a 4-2 record with a .902 save percentage and a 2.21 goals-against average. The 31-year-old veteran, who previously served as the Panthers’ backup during their Stanley Cup title run, had been a reliable presence for the Maple Leafs throughout the regular season. Despite undergoing midseason knee surgery, Stolarz posted an impressive 21-8-3 record with a .926 save percentage and a 2.14 GAA.

Florida’s coach, Maurice, expressed his concern for Stolarz, saying, “Hopeful for Anthony and his health. And hoping he gets better real fast.” Meanwhile, Woll, who had taken over starting duties during Stolarz’s absence in the regular season, had a 27-14-1 record with a .909 save percentage and a 2.73 GAA.

Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, who contributed a goal and an assist in the victory, commented on the incident, stating, “Hopefully the league will take a look [at the hit] and handle it and protect our players.”

As the series progresses, all eyes will be on the league’s response to the incident and the potential impact on the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Game 2 is set to take place on Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena, where Toronto will look to extend their lead in the series.

• Key Points:
• Anthony Stolarz exits Game 1 after taking an elbow to the head.
• No penalty was called on the play involving Sam Bennett.
• Toronto wins 5-4, taking a 1-0 series lead.
• Stolarz was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
• Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena.