Toronto Maple Leafs starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz will be unavailable for Game 2 against the Florida Panthers. According to coach Craig Berube, as reported by Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Stolarz is recovering from a head injury sustained in the first game of the series.
During the Maple Leafs` 5-4 victory on Monday, Stolarz received two significant impacts to the head. The initial incident occurred five minutes into the game when Panthers forward Sam Reinhart fired an 82 mph wrist shot that completely removed Stolarz`s helmet.
Despite appearing shaken by the powerful shot, Stolarz continued playing for a period afterward.
In the second period, while battling for a loose puck near the net, Florida center Sam Bennett`s elbow made contact with Stolarz`s head. The Maple Leafs netminder immediately fell to the ice, clutching his head, but again remained in the game for a short time.
During the subsequent television timeout, Stolarz became ill on the bench and was transported to the hospital for further examination.
Following the game, coach Berube stated that it was `clear as day` that Bennett had elbowed Stolarz in the head. The next morning at team practice, Berube commented that such a play would have historically been met with an immediate physical response.
Berube remarked, “When I played, somebody would`ve done something right away. Probably me, if I was out there.”
No penalty was assessed to Bennett on the play, and he will not face any disciplinary action from the NHL. Speaking on Tuesday, Bennett, a former teammate of Stolarz, stated that there was no force or intent behind the collision, describing it as merely a bump.
Bennett commented, “Looking back the video, I mean the contact that was made was, in my opinion, it`s really just a bump. There is no forceful action. I`m trying to score. The last thing on my mind is thinking about elbowing him in the head. When it happened, I didn`t even realize I made contact.”
Joseph Woll is expected to start Game 2 in place of Stolarz. After entering Game 1 in relief, Woll allowed three goals on 20 shots as the Panthers attempted a third-period comeback.
