The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for battle against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, hoping to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since the 2001-02 NHL season. In order to do so, they need to make the most of their home-ice advantage as Game 2 of the series against the Cats will be in Toronto, as well. However, the biggest question mark revolves around goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who exited the opening game with a possible concussion.
The Maple Leafs cannot help but feel they got the short end of the stick after Sam Bennett’s collision with Stolarz went uncalled for on the ice and received no further discipline from the NHL‘s Department of Player Safety.
However, while a suspension or fine would’ve been appreciatted by the Leafs, their bigger focus is set on having their starting netminder back healthy for the postseason run.
Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs, Stolarz will not start in net during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round against the Panthers, and neither will he be on the bench.
Anthony Stolarz #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets set for play to resume against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1st period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 12, 2024.The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-2.
Woll in net
As was the case in Game 1 when Toronto lost its starting goaltender, Joseph Woll will once again be tasked with guarding the crease against the Panthers. In front of a jam-packed Scotiabank Arena, the Maple Leafs will hope to secure a 2-0 lead in a series already filled with drama.
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NHL Rumors: Department of Player Safety is reportedly making eyebrow raising decision after Sam Bennett’s hit on Anthony Stolarz
The backup goaltender will be Matt Murray, who certainly knows a thing or two about showing up in the biggest moments of the NHL season. During his years with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Murray helped the franchise in Steel City hoist back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
However, Murray’s best days may be behind him. He spent the season in the AHL and has appeared in only two NHL games this year. If called upon, he has the experience to step in, but he could be out of rhythm when the Panthers come at him in waves.
No timeline
Berube stated there is no exact timeline for Stolarz’s return as the Stanley Cup winning goaltender with the Florida Panthers has undergone several evaluations by team doctors in Toronto, but has yet to be cleared to return.
Joseph Woll #60 of the Toronto Maple Leafs tends the net during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 18, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Medical opinion
While fans and media in Toronto have put Bennett on blast for his contact with Stolarz’s head, some experts in brain injuries have offered a different point of view, stating it’s likely Stolarz suffered an initial concussion after he took a shot to the head which knocked his helmet out.
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NHL News: Sam Bennett drops sincere confession about Anthony Stolarz after controversial collision in Toronto-Florida
Therefore, there is a possibility Stolarz suffered two concussions throughout the night, which would aggravate the situation and slimmer the odds for a potential return to the ice, in this series, or even this season.
“Anthony Stolarz likely suffered a first concussion 5 minutes into the game when he took a puck to face that knocked his mask off,” Founding CEO of Concussion Legacy Foundation Chris Nowinski stated on his X account where he often discusses brain injuries all across sports. “25 seconds after the hit he did a SHAAKE (Spontaneous Headshake after a Kinematic Event) which predicts concussion 72% of the time.
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“The SHAAKE does not imply the later elbow to the back of the head did not cause a brain injury. But there is now a chance there were two concussions, or the hard hit after a first concussion made the concussion much worse. Vomiting & being stretchered out later is not normal.“
