Breaking: Maple Leafs’ Goaltender Anthony Stolarz Hospitalized After Elbow to the Head in Game 1 Against Panthers; Leafs Win 5-4, Non-Call on Hit Sparks Controversy
headline.metadata<div class="article-meta"><ul class="authors"><li class="mugshot-shown"><div class="author-img"><img src="https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/columnists/full/shilton_kristen.png&h=80&w=80&scale=crop" alt="" width="40" height="40"/></div><p>By Kristen Shilton, NHL National Reporter for ESPN.</p></li></ul></div>
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NHL Breaking: Anthony Stolarz Hospitalized After Elbow to the Head in Maple Leafs vs Panthers Game 1
TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was stretchered off the ice and hospitalized after taking an elbow to the head from Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett midway through the second period of Game 1 in their Eastern Conference second-round playoff series. The Maple Leafs went on to win 5-4 but the injury cast a shadow over the victory.
Unpenalized Hit Sends Stolarz to Hospital
The incident occurred when Bennett accidental swung his elbow into Stolarz’s helmet while going for a loose puck. Bennett was not whistled for a penalty, a decision that left Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube bewildered.
“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,” Berube said post-game.
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice deflected questions about the play, stating he would leave it to the league to review. Bennett was not made available to media post-game.
Stolarz’s Stellar Season in Tatters
Stolarz, 31, had been Toronto’s backbone in net all season, posting a 21-8-3 record with a .926 save percentage and 2.14 goals-against average despite missing time due to knee surgery. He was instrumental in Toronto’s first-round series victory over Ottawa, starting all six games.
Before his injury, Stolarz had made eight saves on nine shots in Game 1. Backup goaltender Joseph Woll entered the game and made six saves but allowed three goals in the third period as Toronto secured the win.
Maple Leafs Optimistic, Panthers Await League Ruling
Despite the injury, the Maple Leafs remain optimistic about their chances against the Panthers. They’ll have to do it without Stolarz, at least for Game 2, with Woll expected to start in his absence.
The Panthers await the NHL’s review of Bennett’s hit before commenting further on any potential disciplinary action.
FAQs
- Why wasn’t Bennett penalized? The referee on the ice did not see the hit meriting a penalty. The NHL will review the play.
- Can Stolarz play in Game 2? As of now, his status is uncertain. He’s still being evaluated, and the Maple Leafs have not provided an update.
- Who will start in goal for the Maple Leafs in Game 2?Joseph Woll is expected to start in Stolarz’s absence.
Reader Question
Will the Maple Leafs lean on their depth and respond to the injury, or will the Panthers capitalize on Toronto’s misfortune?
Comment below with your thoughts as we await Game 2!
Follow the Action
Stay tuned to 247Sports for more updates on Stolarz’s condition and the Eastern Conference second-round series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. Catch Game 2 Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena.