Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was forced to exit Toronto's Game 1 victory over the Florida Panthers after getting hit in the head by Sam Bennett during the second period.
The Maple Leafs eventually ruled out Stolarz for the remainder of the game.
Sam Bennett makes contact with the head of Anthony Stolarz who is slow to get up 🫣 pic.twitter.com/BjnhbA4Ysm
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 6, 2025
Stolarz appeared to vomit over the Maple Leafs' bench during a TV timeout before exiting the game. He left Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher during the third period and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation, reports TSN's Chris Johnston.
Bennett was not penalized for the play.
"Elbow to the head, clearly. Clear as day," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said postgame.
Berube added: "I'm not sure why there's not a call on it. I get it, they miss calls, but it's clearly a penalty."
Bennett has been suspended twice in his 11-year NHL career.
"Hopefully the league will handle it and protect our players," Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, who scored the game-winner, added.
Bennett was not made available to speak postgame despite requests from the media.
Backup goalie Joseph Woll entered Toronto's crease in Stolarz's place. Woll made 17 saves on 20 shots during the 5-4 win.
Stolarz stopped eight of nine shots before departing the contest.
The 31-year-old ranked first among all NHL netminders with a .926 save percentage in 34 games during the regular season. He led the Maple Leafs to a Round 1 win over the Ottawa Senators with a .901 save percentage in six contests.
Woll went 27-14-1 during the regular season with a .909 save percentage. He owned a .933 mark in seven career playoff games entering Monday.
