The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs clashed fiercely in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semis, in a bout packed with drama, goals, and heavy hits. But the biggest controversy came when Sam Bennett made contact with the head of Anthony Stolarz, forcing the goaltender to be stretchered out of Scotiabank Arena and spend the night under evaluation at a local hospital. Despite the severity of the injury, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety shocked many with its decision—or lack thereof.
Bennett collided with Stolarz’s head as he drove toward the net in pursuit of a loose puck. While he insisted there was no ill intent, the incident forced Stolarz to leave the game, paving the way for Joseph Woll to take over in net for Toronto.
The Maple Leafs survived the Panthers’ late push, but they were visibly frustrated with the officials’ decision not to penalize Bennett for the hit. Fans were equally outraged, especially given Bennett’s history of controversial moments in the postseason spotlight.
Last season, Bennett delivered a controversial punch to, then Boston Bruins’ captain, Brad Marchand, which went unpenalized by both the officials on the ice and the league, despite Marchand missing two games due to the incident.
Anthony Stolarz #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to playing against the Ottawa Senators in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
A year prior, he was also involved in an awkward collision that resulted in a concussion for Matthew Knies when the Cats and Leafs met during the Second Round of the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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NHL News: Sam Bennett drops sincere confession about Anthony Stolarz after controversial collision in Toronto-Florida
Off the hook
With Bennett’s history still fresh in fans’ minds, many expected the NHL to step in and issue a firm disciplinary sanction against the Panthers’ forward. However, reports suggest otherwise.
“Sam Bennett is not expected to face any supplemental discipline for his hit on Anthony Stolarz during last night’s game,” NHL insider Chris Johnston stated.
Bennett’s statement
Sam Bennett addressed the controversial play involving himself and his former teammate in Florida, Stolarz, the morning after Game 1, dropping a very sincere comment on the situation.
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“[Stolarz is] a good friend of mine. I reached out to him,” Bennett stated. “He responded. Obviously, you never want to see an injury like that. From my point of view, I’m taking a puck to the net. I didn’t even know we made contact until after. I’m on the power play. I’m trying to score.”
