Anthony Stolarz’s Game 1 outing concluded in a terrifying manner after he suffered two distinct blows to the skull. The Maple Leaf goalie was first hit by a puck in the first period. He then got a forearm to the mask by Florida’s Sam Bennett.

Stolarz weathered the setback to begin but was pulled after vomiting on the bench midway through a second-period TV timeout. Toronto ultimately managed to hold on to secure a 5-4 victory behind backup Joseph Woll.

Leafs coach Craig Berube reported Tuesday that Anthony Stolarz was in good shape and was in the team facility. But he wouldn’t commit to confirming that he’ll play in Game 2. “We’ll see. I don’t know that yet,” Berube said when asked if Stolarz would begin. When questioned about a potential concussion, he said, “Don’t know that either.”

The uncertainty left the fans wondering. Stolarz’s teammate Brandon Carlo gave a slightly more positive assessment when he reported seeing the goalie cracking a smile in the morning.

Hospital discharge provides hope for Anthony Stolarz

Although Stolarz was stretchered out Monday evening, reports indicated he was released from the hospital Tuesday morning. That implies that his condition has stabilized. However, the Maple Leafs haven’t made the official nature of his injury public.

If it’s a concussion, Anthony Stolarz might enroll in the NHL’s mandatory protocol. In that scenario, even minor symptoms might sideline him, depending on how he feels in the next 24 hours.

Joseph Woll will replace him in Game 2 in the event that he cannot. He made 17 saves on 20 shots after coming in relief on Monday. Woll hasn’t played since April 17 but was solid in Game 1. He recorded a 2.73 GAA and .909 save percentage in 42 regular-season games.

In the backup spot to Woll, the Maple Leafs have veterans Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby as insurance. They played no playoff minutes this year but also sat on the bench on Monday.

Bennett’s Hit Stirs Up Sam Bennett of the Panthers was not punished as a result of the elbow. Although Leafs coach Berube termed it as “an elbow to the head, clear as day,” the NHL chose not to suspend Bennett.

This isn’t the first playoff controversy involving Bennett. He also concussed Matthew Knies in 2023 and threw a glove-wrapped punch that kept Brad Marchand out for the 2024 playoffs. The last episode resulted in a suspension.

Bennett said he was unaware that he had hit Anthony Stolarz until after the collision. He went on to indicate that he contacted the former defenseman and called the injury unfortunate.

Uncertainty looms over game 2

Toronto holds the series advantage 1-0 but the goalie situation hangs in the balance going into Game 2. With a game played every other day, rest and recuperation periods are few and far between.

Anthony Stolarz has been the top netminder for Toronto in the playoffs to date, with a .901 save percentage and 2.22 GAA in Round 1. Regardless of whether or not he suits up on Wednesday, the Leafs will need a solid goaltending effort to repel the defending champions.

Everyone waits now for the morning skate and pregame warmups in Scotiabank Arena. That’s when the Leafs are expected to indicate their goaltending lineup for the evening.