TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltending situation took a dramatic turn in Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Florida Panthers on May 5, 2025. Anthony Stolarz, the team's starting goaltender, exited midway through the second period after suffering an injury from an elbow to the head delivered by Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
The incident unfolded during a Florida power play, where Bennett made contact with Stolarz, leading to immediate concern from the Maple Leafs' bench. Stolarz, 31 years old, initially remained in the game for a few minutes but soon appeared visibly shaken. He was seen vomiting into a bucket on the bench, a concerning sign that prompted the team to pull him from the game.
Stolarz's departure came at a pivotal moment, as the Maple Leafs were leading 4-1 against their Atlantic Division rivals. Before exiting, Stolarz had made eight saves on nine shots, achieving a .889 save percentage. In his absence, backup goaltender Joseph Woll entered the game without a warmup, a situation that sparked discussions about the decision-making process behind Stolarz's removal. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman noted that had Stolarz been pulled by a league-mandated concussion spotter, Woll would have been eligible for a brief warmup.
The Maple Leafs later announced on their social media that Stolarz was still under evaluation and would not return to the game. As the game progressed, it was revealed that Stolarz was taken to a local hospital on a stretcher for further examination.
Woll, who stepped in for Stolarz, faced a challenging third period, conceding three goals but ultimately helping the team secure a 5-4 victory. This win gave the Maple Leafs a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed his frustration regarding the lack of a penalty on the play that injured Stolarz. "Elbow to the head," Berube said. "Clearly. Clear as day. I'm not sure why there wasn't a call on it, but it was clearly a penalty." His sentiments were echoed by Florida coach Paul Maurice, who acknowledged the incident but deferred responsibility to the officials. "The referee is standing right there when it happens," Maurice stated. "The league will do its thing [in reviewing the play]. And I will coach the next game. Hopefully." Bennett was not available to reporters following the game.
The incident has ignited a debate among fans and analysts alike, especially considering Bennett's history of physical play. He has previously been involved in controversial hits during the playoffs, raising questions about the NHL's consistency in enforcing penalties for head contact. This incident is likely to be scrutinized heavily in the lead-up to Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at Scotiabank Arena.
Stolarz's performance leading up to this injury had been solid; he started all six playoff games for Toronto against the Ottawa Senators in the first round, boasting a 4-2 record, a .902 save percentage, and a 2.21 goals-against average. His reliability in net has been a crucial factor for the Maple Leafs, especially after he returned from midseason knee surgery, where he posted an impressive 21-8-3 record during the regular season with a .926 save percentage and a 2.14 GAA.
Woll, who took over starting duties when Stolarz was sidelined, has also shown promise, finishing the regular season with a 27-14-1 record, a .909 save percentage, and a 2.73 GAA. However, the pressure is now on him to step up in the wake of Stolarz's uncertain status.
As the Maple Leafs prepare for Game 2, the team and its fans are left hoping for positive news regarding Stolarz's health. Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, who contributed a goal and an assist in the victory, expressed his hope that the NHL would address the hit appropriately. "Hopefully the league will take a look [at the hit] and handle it and protect our players," he said.
The NHL playoffs have already seen a number of injuries this season, leading to discussions about player safety and the enforcement of rules regarding head contact. This latest incident will undoubtedly add fuel to the ongoing conversation about how the league handles such situations and the potential consequences for players who engage in dangerous plays.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on the Maple Leafs' goaltending situation and the league's response to the physicality displayed in Game 1. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the outcome of the series may hinge on how well Toronto can adapt to the challenges ahead.
Game 2 is set to take place at Scotiabank Arena, where the Maple Leafs will aim to build on their early series lead while hoping for a swift recovery for their starting goaltender.
