Breaking: Maple Leafs Goaltender Stolarz Doubtful for Remainder of Panthers Series, Has Not Yet Skated Since Concussion Scare; Woll Struggles in Net
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Goaltending Woes: Stolarz’s Return Unlikely, Woll Struggles in Nett
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a delicate situation as they approach the midpoint of their second-round series against the Florida Panthers. The likelihood of starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz returning to the ice this series is looking bleak, despite the team’s 2-1 lead.
Stolarz Still Sidelined, Skating Yet to Begin
Head coach Craig Berube provided an update on Stolarz’s condition after the Leafs’ 5-4 Game 3 loss, revealing a crucial hurdle in the goaltender’s recovery:
“(Stolarz) has not skated yet.”
While Berube acknowledged Stolarz’s progress, the stark reality is that the netminder has yet to resume skating, casting significant doubt over his return this series. Game 4 looms on Sunday night, and the Leafs will be anxious to secure a commanding series lead.
Concussion Protocol and Timeline Concerns
Stolarz wasInitially evaluated at the hospital after taking an elbow to the head from Panthers center Sam Bennett in Game 1. Although Berube didn’t confirm a concussion, the typical NHL concussion protocol requires a minimum of seven days for evaluation and progression through six stages of increasing physical exertion. With Stolarz already missing multiple games, the timeline for his return appears to be extended.
Woll struggles to Fill Stolarz’s Skates
In Stolarz’s absence, rookie netminder Joseph Woll has filled the void, earning two wins. However, he has also conceded 11 goals and sports a .869 save percentage through two-and-a-half games. While Woll has made crucial saves, his overall performance hasn’t been on par with Stolarz’s.
Did you know?
Woll’s torrid start against Florida is a stark contrast to his victory in Game 2, where he stopped 41 of 43 shots in a double-overtime thriller.
Berube’s Advice for Woll
Berube offered some advice for Woll heading into Game 4:
“(The Panthers) are coming hard. (Woll) is going to have to move it quick, make a decision quick and move it. That’s the bottom line.”
With the Panthers’ relentless pressure up front, Woll will need to have his wits about him and handle the puck effectively to help his team maintain their series edge.
Looking Ahead: Stolarz’s Status Beyond Game 4
If the series extends to Game 6, the Leafs may face a dilemma regarding Stolarz’s participation. Given his recent injury history and the league’s concussion protocol, it’s uncertain whether he would be cleared to travel and play in Florida once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does NHL concussion protocol typically take?
A: The minimum duration for NHL concussion protocol is seven days, with a multi-step progression in physical activities.
Q: Has Joseph Woll played well enough to secure the starting position if Stolarz can’t return?
A: Despite Woll’s strong Game 2 performance, his overall stats indicate that he hasn’t yet solidified his claim to the starting goaltender spot.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As the Leafs and Panthers continue their heated rivalry, 247Sports will keep you updated on Stolarz’s status and all the latest news from the series. Stay tuned for more insight and analysis as the battle for the Atlantic Division crown heats up!
(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
Join the conversation! Comment below and connect with us on Twitter and Facebook for more hockey talk and analysis.