TORONTO, ON - MAY 05: Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz (41) lies flat on the ice after making a save during the second period of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs second round game one between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 5, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz hospitalized after taking elbow from Panthers’ Sam Bennett
  • Stolarz stayed in game for two minutes after the hit before showing visible distress
  • Read below for full details on the controversial incident that overshadowed Leafs’ Game 1 win

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 was overshadowed by a frightening incident involving goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who was hospitalized after taking a forearm to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

The hit happened at 7:20 in the second period, but what followed raised serious safety concerns. Despite the referee stopping play, Stolarz remained in the game for over two minutes before finally skating to the bench showing visible signs of distress.

Reports indicate he vomited shortly after exiting the ice.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn’t mince words post-game. “Elbow to the head. Clearly. Clear as day,” Berube told reporters. “I’m not sure why there wasn’t a call on it, but it was clearly a penalty.”

The situation grew more concerning when Stolarz had to be stretchered out of the arena. Joseph Woll came in relief, allowing three goals on 20 shots as the Leafs held on for the win despite a furious Panthers third-period push.

Making matters worse, Bennett dodged media requests after the game. This left many questions about a hit that will likely get a close look from NHL Player Safety.

This wasn’t Stolarz’s only head contact of the night. Earlier in the game, he took a puck to the mask that knocked it clean off.

The veteran netminder had been solid for Toronto, posting a 2.21 GAA and .901 save percentage in their first-round series win over Ottawa.

Stolarz remains under evaluation at a local hospital.

His status for Game 2 is uncertain as the Leafs look to build on their series lead against Florida.