Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has finally addressed the collision between him and Anthony Stolarz, which resulted in the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender being hospitalized. The collision between the two players happened on Monday, May 5, during the first game of the second-round playoff series between the two teams.
The incident occurred midway through the second period at Scotiabank Arena when Bennett drove to the net and appeared to make contact with Stolarz’s head using his forearm. Shortly after the collision, Stolarz vomited on the bench and was pulled from the game. He was later taken to a hospital for an evaluation.
Sam Bennett Expresses Concern for Injured Former Teammate
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, May 6, Sam Bennett offered his side of the story. He described the play as a routine drive to the net and claimed he wasn’t even aware that contact had been made until afterward.
“I heard that he went to the hospital last night,” Bennett said. “Stolie’s a good friend of mine. Reached out to him and he responded. Never want to see an injury like that.”
“From my point of view, I'm just taking the puck to the net. I didn’t even know that we made contact until after.”
Sam Bennett on collision with Anthony Stolarz in Game 1. pic.twitter.com/ylGyzPrBDc
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet)
Bennett, who played alongside Stolarz during the Panthers’ 2023-24 Stanley Cup run, emphasized that the hit wasn’t intentional and said, “From my point of view, I’m just taking the puck to the net. I didn’t even know that we made contact until after.”
The hit drew attention not just because Stolarz was hospitalized but also because of Bennett’s aggressive playing style. Bennett has been involved in past playoff incidents, including one in which he punched Brad Marchand last postseason. While critics highlight these moments as part of a pattern, Bennett maintains that his approach is driven by intensity, not malice.
Leafs Face Goaltending Uncertainty Ahead of Game 2
After being struck, Stolarz remained in the game briefly before showing signs of distress. Cameras captured him vomiting during a TV timeout, a symptom that experts say could indicate a concussion. He exited the arena on a stretcher and was taken to a local hospital.
Although Stolarz has since returned home, Toronto head coach Craig Berube was noncommittal on the goalie’s status for Game 2. “I don’t know that yet,” Berube said Tuesday. “I’ll probably find out today at some point. I’m not sure yet.”
In Stolarz’s absence, Joseph Woll stepped up and made 17 saves on 20 shots, helping the Maple Leafs hold on for a 5-4 victory and a 1-0 series lead. Woll had a strong regular season and is now no stranger to high-pressure games, after making his playoff debut this year under tough circumstances.
Berube praised Woll’s readiness and said, “He’s a worker. The one thing about Wollsy is that he’s very dedicated to what he’s doing. Off the ice and on the ice, he’s one of the most dedicated guys I’ve been around in that aspect.”
Whether Stolarz returns for Game 2 remains unclear. Still, all eyes will be on Toronto’s goaltending situation and Sam Bennett, whose controversial hit has already shaped the tone for this playoff series.
Although there was no penalty on the play, the hit sparked controversy across the NHL, especially given Bennett’s history of physical play. Despite the concern surrounding the hit, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety chose not to issue supplemental discipline.
