Anthony Stolarz’s Status in Doubt After Scary Game 1 Injury
Anthony Stolarz’s performance in Game 1 ended on a concerning note after suffering two separate hits to the head. Early in the game, the Maple Leafs goalie was struck by a puck, and later, he took a forearm to the mask from Florida’s Sam Bennett. Though he stayed in the game initially, Stolarz had to be removed after vomiting on the bench during a second-period timeout.
Backup Joseph Woll stepped in and helped the Leafs secure a narrow 5-4 win. Head coach Craig Berube provided an update on Tuesday, saying Stolarz was doing well and was present at the team facility, but he didn’t confirm if the goalie would be ready for Game 2. Asked directly about the possibility of a concussion, Berube simply said, “Don’t know that either.”
Despite the uncertainty, teammate Brandon Carlo offered a slightly reassuring note, mentioning that Stolarz was seen smiling earlier in the day.
Stolarz was taken to the hospital following the game but was discharged the next morning. While that’s a positive sign, the team hasn’t officially confirmed the nature of his injury. If he’s dealing with a concussion, he may have to enter the league’s mandatory protocol, potentially keeping him out depending on symptom progression.
Joseph Woll is the likely starter for Game 2 if Stolarz is unavailable. He made 17 saves on 20 shots in relief on Monday and posted a 2.73 GAA and .909 save percentage during the regular season. As backup options, the Leafs also have veterans Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby, though neither has played a postseason minute this year.
Sam Bennett, who delivered the controversial forearm hit, was not disciplined by the NHL. Coach Berube described it as “an elbow to the head, clear as day,” but no suspension was handed down. Bennett, no stranger to playoff incidents, had previously concussed Matthew Knies in 2023 and injured Brad Marchand with a glove-covered punch in 2024—a hit that did earn him a suspension.
Bennett claimed he didn’t realize he had hit Stolarz during the play and later reached out to express regret over the injury.
With Toronto holding a 1-0 lead in the series, the team now faces a critical decision in net for Game 2. The final call on who starts is expected after the team’s morning skate at Scotiabank Arena. Regardless of who takes the crease, the Leafs will need a strong showing to hold off the defending champions and keep their series momentum alive.