Playoff hockey is always physical, but one hit from the Toronto Maple Leafs–Florida Panthers game on Monday, May 5, is drawing extra attention — and a little controversy.
TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston reports there will be no supplemental discipline for Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett, who collided with Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz. Both players left the ice slowly, with the benches watching closely, but Bennett returned in the third period and finished the game.
What’s Next After Anthony Stolarz’s Hit?
The incident happened during the second period of Toronto’s 5-4 win, when Bennett appeared to make head contact with Stolarz during a net-front scrum on a Panthers power play. Toronto didn’t respond during the game, but players made it clear afterward that the team would be following up with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
There’s still debate over whether the hit qualifies as suspendable, especially since Bennett didn’t speak to the media after Game 1.
“Sam Bennett is not expected to face any supplemental discipline for his hit on Anthony Stolarz during last night’s game, per sources,” Johnston reported on X.
Sam Bennett is not expected to face any supplemental discipline for his hit on Anthony Stolarz during last night's game, per sources.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris)
Stolarz left at 10:14 of the second period. Joseph Woll came in and stopped 17 of 18 shots to help the Leafs hang on for the win. Stolarz had turned away eight of nine shots before exiting.
The 30-year-old netminder had been solid during Toronto’s first-round series win over Ottawa, posting a 2.21 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage over six games.
READ MORE: Maple Leafs Demand Punishment After Injury to Anthony Stolarz
Bennett is expected to be in the lineup for Game 2 on Wednesday, May 7. The series remains in Toronto before shifting to Florida for Game 3 on Friday, May 9.
Now, Leafs fans are left waiting for updates on Stolarz, for possible league action, and to see whether this series turns ugly.
Stolarz’s Health Update
Stolarz stayed in the game briefly after the hit but later collapsed on the bench and vomited during a commercial break, showing just how serious the situation was. TSN’s Johnston reported that he was immediately removed from the game on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital.
On Tuesday morning, May 6, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that Stolarz had been released from the hospital and is now resting. An official statement on his condition is expected soon.
The lack of discipline for Bennett has only intensified scrutiny of how the NHL handles dangerous plays, especially when goaltenders are involved.
