The tie between the Panthers and the Maple Leafs began on an aggressive note, with both teams fighting hard to take the early advantage. In the end, it was the Maple Leafs who triumphed in a close game, 5-4. However, that win wasn’t without drama. During the game, Panthers’ Sam Bennett hit Anthony Stolarz on the head with his elbow, which left the Maple Leafs star shaken. Subsequently, he was withdrawn, and he even vomited on the bench. Ahead of Game 2, the Maple Leafs have some bad news for the fans in this regard.
In the lineups announced by the Maple Leafs, Joseph Woll is occupying the starter’s net in the morning skate. Stolarz, who faced the heat in Round 1, is absent. This comes as a major blow to the Maple Leafs, who were looking to consolidate their lead over the Panthers by winning the second game.
Joseph Woll is occupying the starter’s net at Maple Leafs morning skate, where Anthony Stolarz is not present.
Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby are also on the ice for Toronto. pic.twitter.com/RrI45ECweF
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 7, 2025
After suffering a blow to his head, Stolarz was moved to the hospital in an ambulance, where he underwent numerous tests. Amid this, the Maple Leafs have taken a precautionary measure and kept Stolarz out of the lineup for the game later today. Meanwhile, Bennett got away after his elbow hit Stolarz’s head. Neither did he receive a penalty in the game, nor did he get any supplemental punishment from the NHL for his actions.
Nonetheless, after the game, Bennett dismissed any “ill intent” on hitting Stolarz, saying, “I’m just taking a puck to the net. I didn’t even know that we made contact until after. And I’m on the power play. I’m trying to score. I’m taking the puck to the net. That’s really all there was to it.”
Further, there is suspense over Stolarz’s fitness as he has been left out of the second game of the tie. Amid this, the Maple Leafs coach, Craig Berube, had a four-word message.
Maple Leafs coach opens up about Anthony Stolarz’s recovery
Berube was visibly frustrated after Bennett’s elbow hit Stolarz on the head. What made matters worse was the fact that the Panthers’ star escaped any punishment for his actions. Ahead of the second game of the tie, Berube was asked about Stolarz’s recovery during an interview.
With many fans concerned after Stolarz was taken to the hospital, the Maple Leafs coach gave an assuring statement to the media, saying, “He’s fine, he’s recovering.” Although the Maple Leafs coach maintained that Stolarz was doing well, he didn’t provide any timeline for his comeback.
Meanwhile, Berube has already drawn up plans on how to tackle Bennett in the upcoming games. Ahead of Game 2, he revealed, “Play hard & physical. They do what they do. Again, that’s up to the refs & the league. We’re going to be disciplined … You go out & think you’re going to get back at Bennett & you end up in the penalty box & we don’t need that.”
With like-for-like tactics on display, it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top in this enthralling contest. On the other hand, Stolarz would hope to recover soon and get back fit in time for the upcoming games.
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