Is Anthony Stolarz participating in tonight's game between Maple Leafs and Panthers? Injury updates for Game 2.
Toronto's Missing Link: The Toronto Maple Leafs have a slender one-game advantage over the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Semis, but the injury to their standout goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, threatens to tip the balance. The Leafs' walloper took a hit from his former Panthers squadmate Sam Bennett in Game 1, leaving him vomiting on the bench and eventually checking into the hospital.
As of Game 2, Stolarz's prospects don't seem too bright. During the morning skate in Toronto, the top netminders were Joseph Woll and Matt Murray. Woll took the lion's share of the practice in the starter's net, while Murray arrived from the American Hockey League to back up Woll and hopefully extend the Leafs' series lead.
Bennett Walks Free After Setting Stolarz Back
Not only did Bennett escape a penalty call in the heat of the moment, but the NHL Department of Player Safety also declined to dish out a punishment following the incident. Max Pacioretty and the Leafs' dressing room have tried to move past the disappointing decision, emphasizing control over what they can manage as individuals and as a team.
"You can't control that," said Pacioretty. "We've got to worry about what we can control. And we always want to stick up for one another and stick together. And do it the right way."
As the Leafs' head coach, Craig Berube encourages his team to play hard and play the game the right way. However, he advises against taking reckless retaliatory penalties that might turn into goals against the Leafs.
"I've talked to my players about focusing on the game," said Berube, "and playing it hard, and playing it the right way. If there's an opportunity to go through someone, you do it. But don't take cheap shots. If you're thinking about getting back at Bennett, you'll find yourself in the penalty box."
The Leafs and Panthers square off again in Game 2 at 7:00 PM EST in Scotiabank Arena.
(HT @markhmasters) @TSN_Sports shares a picture of the Leafs' empty net in the absence of Stolarz: pic.twitter.com/6zUJsMxEoU
Additional insights:
Anthony Stolarz, the solid goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, will miss Game 2 against the Florida Panthers due to a head injury sustained in Game 1. Stolarz had to deal with two significant incidents during the game: first, a shot from Panthers forward Sam Reinhart knocked his helmet off early in the game, and then he was elbowed in the head by Panthers forward Sam Bennett during a scramble in front of the net [2][3][5].
Following the second incident, Stolarz continued playing but soon appeared unwell, throwing up on the bench during a TV timeout. Consequently, he was taken to the hospital for further examination [2][5]. Despite claims of his "fine" and "recovering" state by coach Craig Berube, Stolarz's timeline for return remains uncertain [3][4].
In the absence of Stolarz, Joseph Woll will start in Game 2, having taken over from Stolarz in Game 1. Woll performed well, saving 17 of 20 shots. Matt Murray is expected to serve as the backup for Woll in Game 2 [1][4].
- Despite Stolarz's injury, the Leafs and Panthers will face off again in the playoffs, with Joseph Woll starting in goal for Toronto and Matt Murray as the backup.
- The absence of Stolarz, who was knocked out by Sam Bennett during Game 1, has left the Leafs' net opened for opportunities for the Panthers in the playoffs.
- The NHL Department of Player Safety chose not to punish Bennett for his hit on Stolarz, a decision that has been met with disappointment by the Leafs' dressing room.
- In the practice session before Game 2, Woll took the majority of the shots in the starting net, with Murray arriving from the American Hockey League to back him up.
- The Leafs have emphasized the importance of maintaining control and playing the game the right way in their upcoming match against the Panthers in the playoffs, avoiding reckless retaliatory penalties and focusing on their own performance.
