The Toronto Maple Leafs may have secured a critical 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers to open their second-round series, but the aftermath focused less on the scoreboard and more on a controversial moment involving goaltender Anthony Stolarz. The veteran netminder was forced out of the game following a blow to the head that has now become the center of scrutiny.
The incident unfolded midway through the second period when Sam Bennett made contact with Stolarz’s head at the 7:20 mark. Despite the visible hit, officials allowed play to continue without issuing a penalty.
Stolarz remained in net briefly but vomited on the bench during a stoppage, prompting immediate medical attention. He exited the game and was later transported to a local hospital from Scotiabank Arena for evaluation.
Berube calls It “Clear as Day”
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube did not mince words postgame, calling out the lack of a penalty and expressing frustration over the league’s inaction on what he described as a dangerous play. “Elbow to the head, clearly. Clear as day,” Berube stated. “I’m not sure why there’s not a call on it. I get it, they miss calls. But it’s clearly a penalty.”
The coach confirmed that Stolarz was undergoing medical evaluation but withheld further comment. “That is all I have for you on Stolarz. I wouldn’t keep commenting on it,” he added.
Maurice dismisses concerns
While Berube deferred to the NHL regarding possible supplemental discipline, his counterpart offered a far different tone. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice initially appeared indifferent when asked about the collision. “Not nearly as good as the referee’s vantage point. He was standing right there. He saw it,” he said before abruptly shutting down the line of questioning. “You’re all going to light your hair on fire, and I’m going to let you. I’ve answered one on it,” Maurice snapped.
SURVEY What should the NHL do about Sam Bennett's hit on Anthony Stolarz?
What should the NHL do about Sam Bennett's hit on Anthony Stolarz?
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Game 2 looms with goaltending in question
Before his departure, Stolarz had allowed one goal on nine shots. Backup Joseph Woll took over and made 17 saves on 20 attempts, helping Maple Leafs withstand a final push from Florida. As the series heads into Game 2 on Wednesday in Toronto, all eyes will be on the Leafs’ crease — and whether the league opts to revisit Bennett’s hit that has already left its mark on the series.