Maple Leafs Goalie Stolarz Out For Game 3 After Head Injury

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was injured during Game 1 of the second-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Florida Panthers after taking a wrist shot to the mask and then an elbow to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Stolarz vomited on the bench following the hit and was taken to the hospital for evaluation but has since been reported as recovering. Despite the severity of the hit, the NHL Department of Player Safety did not penalize Bennett or issue any suspension, a decision that drew criticism from fans and commentators. Stolarz was officially ruled out for Game 2, with Joseph Woll stepping in as the starting goaltender and Matt Murray serving as backup. Coach Craig Berube emphasized that the team must focus on the game and avoid penalties rather than seeking retribution. Toronto leads the series 2-0 and will face the Panthers again in Game 3 in Florida, while Stolarz remains with the team but did not travel with them.