Toronto Maple Leafs’ regular goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, has been ruled out of Game 2 of the playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
Stolarz left the ice in Game 1 after taking an elbow to the head from Florida forward Sam Bennett.
He will be replaced by Joseph Woll between the sticks for the first time in the postseason.
Berube Confirms Maple Leafs Will be Without Anthony Stolarz in Game 2
Speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s game, Toronto head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Stolarz will not feature in the lineup. He also did not provide a timeline for Stolarz’s return or whether he would feature in the rest of the series.
“He’s recovering,” Berube had said on Tuesday, May 6, after optional practice. “Just recovering, so he’s doing well.”
Stolarz, 31, started between the sticks in all six games of the Maple Leafs’ Round 1 triumph over the Ottawa Senators. He had a .901 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average in the first-round series win.
In the regular season, Berube opted for a tandem-goalie strategy, alternating between Stolarz and Woll in goal. Stolarz appeared in 34 games for the Maple Leafs, finishing his debut year in the blue and white with a 21-8-3 record, .926 save percentage, and 2.14 GAA.
In Game 1, Stolarz made eight saves on nine shots before a forced exit. He was seen in bad health while on the Maple Leafs’ bench and reportedly had to be taken to the hospital on a stretcher.
When I initially posted on Anthony Stolarz I didn't know they initially left him in for more than two minutes until he started vomiting on the bench.
We need to do better.
PSA: If you vomit multiple times after a brain injury, get to the emergency room. pic.twitter.com/2mMR52mmDk— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) May 6, 2025
Team captain Auston Matthews reported on Wednesday that Stolarz had returned to the rink, although he did not practice.
“He seems to be feeling better. He’s been around the rink and stuff, so it’s obviously good to see him,” Matthews said via The Hockey News. “I’m not really trying to pester him with questions and stuff. Just try to be there to support him, and hopefully he’ll be back here soon.”
Woll, 26, came on in relief and stopped 17 of 20 shots in Monday’s game as the Maple Leafs held on for a 5-4 victory. Toronto scored early and managed to hang on to the lead to win the game.
William Nylander scored two goals in the first period, with Morgan Rielly, Matthew Knies, and Chris Tanev also chipping in with a goal each.
Toronto fans cried foul after Panthers forward Bennett was not assessed a penalty for the hit on Stolarz, and the NHL Department of Player Safety decided against further action as well.