In a dramatic turn during Game 1 of the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz left the game after a collision with Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. The incident occurred when Bennett elbowed Stolarz in the head while attempting to score on a power play, leading to Stolarz’s exit from the ice shortly after, as he was seen vomiting on the bench. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Following the game, there was significant discussion regarding the hit, but NHL sources confirmed that there would be no supplemental discipline for Bennett. While he did not speak to the media after the game, Bennett addressed the situation in a press conference, emphasizing that there was no ill intent behind his actions. “I’m just taking a puck to the net… I didn’t even know that we made contact until after,” he clarified, reinforcing that his focus was solely on scoring.
Bennett and Stolarz share a friendly history from their time as teammates in Florida, where Stolarz backed up Sergei Bobrovsky during last year’s Stanley Cup run. After the game, Bennett reached out to Stolarz, who reportedly responded positively.
Historically, the two teams have had their share of rough encounters, including an incident last year when Bennett’s hit on a different Toronto player resulted in a concussion. Bennett acknowledged the intensity of playoff hockey and the emotions involved, particularly when a goalie is injured. “It’s part of the game,” he noted, while expressing regret for Stolarz’s hospitalization.
Coach Craig Berube of the Leafs did not rule out Stolarz for Game 2, indicating that the team remains hopeful for his return. “I’ll probably find out later,” said Berube regarding Stolarz’s status. In Stolarz’s absence, backup Joseph Woll is poised to take the lead, having performed solidly during the regular season.
Bennett, committed to helping his team push toward a potential championship, emphasized the need to maintain focus and play a physical style during playoffs. Despite the incident, he remains optimistic about his contributions to Florida’s success moving forward.
This interplay of intensity and sportsmanship in playoff hockey illustrates not just the physicality of the game, but also the camaraderie that exists among players, even amid fierce competition.