The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a thrilling victory in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers on Monday, May 5, 2025, winning 5-4. The game was marked by a strong start from the Maple Leafs, but it also featured a tense moment when goaltender Anthony Stolarz suffered a frightening injury in the second period. Stolarz was involved in a collision with Panthers forward Sam Bennett, leading to him being stretchered off the ice. As the Maple Leafs prepare for Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, questions loom about Stolarz's health and whether he will return to the lineup.
Head coach Craig Berube provided an update on Stolarz's condition during a press conference on Tuesday morning. "I don't know that yet," Berube said regarding Stolarz's availability for Game 2. "I'll probably find out today at some point. I'm not sure yet." Stolarz's injury raised concerns among fans and teammates alike, as he was seen visibly shaken after the incident, even vomiting on the bench before being taken to the hospital for evaluation.
In Stolarz's absence, backup goalie Joseph Woll will take over in the net. Woll, who stopped 17 of 20 shots in Game 1, has proven himself capable in high-pressure situations, earning praise from Berube. "Well, you've seen him this year, played a lot of good games, a lot of good hockey for us this year," Berube remarked. "Stolie, he was out for, what, two months? I can't remember the timeline, but he (Woll) was in there holding the fort for us. We've got a ton of faith in him." Woll's performance will be critical as the Maple Leafs look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
The atmosphere surrounding the series has intensified, particularly due to the nature of Stolarz's injury. Bennett, who was involved in the collision that injured Stolarz, expressed remorse over the incident, stating, "There's no intent. Stolie's a great friend of mine. When I hear he went to the hospital, of course, I feel bad. That's why I reached out." Despite his apology, the incident has sparked outrage among Maple Leafs fans, who are still reeling from the injury to their starting goaltender.
As the Maple Leafs prepare for Game 2, they will need to maintain their focus and discipline. Berube emphasized the importance of not seeking retribution against Bennett, as doing so could lead to penalties that would benefit the Panthers. "We've got to stay disciplined and not seek retribution or frontier justice on Bennett that could result in power plays for the other side," Berube said. "Somebody would have done something right away," he added with a smile, reflecting on how things might have been handled differently in his playing days.
Woll's experience in the playoffs will be crucial, especially since he has already proven himself in previous postseason appearances. In eight career playoff games, Woll has posted a 4-2 record with an impressive .924 save percentage. This will be his second time stepping into the starting role after coming in as a relief goaltender. The pressure to perform is high, but Woll is ready to rise to the occasion.
The Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, are also feeling the pressure as they look to avoid falling behind 0-2 in the series. They are aware of the stakes and will likely come out with a sense of urgency in Game 2. "The last thing that the Panthers want to do is go back home down 0-2, so they will need to come out with more energy in this contest," said a source close to the team.
As Game 2 approaches, the Maple Leafs are hopeful for Stolarz's recovery, but they are also prepared for Woll to step up. The team has shown resilience throughout the season, and they will need to harness that energy to secure another win against a formidable opponent.
In addition to the on-ice action, the drama surrounding the series continues to unfold off the ice. Bennett's collision with Stolarz has drawn scrutiny, but both players have expressed their desire to move forward. Bennett stated, "I play a hard style. I'm just trying to play my game, I'm just trying to help our team win." His commitment to his style of play has made him a polarizing figure, but he remains a key player for the Panthers.
As the Maple Leafs and Panthers get ready for Game 2, the stakes are higher than ever. With Stolarz's status uncertain, the pressure is on Woll to deliver a standout performance. Fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another exciting chapter in this playoff rivalry.
As the puck drops at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, all eyes will be on the ice to see if the Maple Leafs can hold their ground at home and take a commanding series lead. The tension is palpable, and the outcome remains uncertain as both teams vie for crucial playoff positioning.
