TORONTO — Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz mentioned he suffered a concussion after being hit within the head by Florida Panthers centre Sam Bennett in Sport 1 of the second spherical of the NHL playoffs.
“I don’t assume any malicious intent on (Bennett’s) half,” Stolarz mentioned throughout the Leafs gamers’ last information convention of the season Tuesday morning. “I feel it was simply a type of issues: it’s the playoffs and he’s within the second and he needs to attain a purpose for his group and I’m doing my greatest to you realize attempt to maintain the puck out of my web. It was only one these issues the place he simply caught me in a foul spot.”
Stolarz remained within the web for about two minutes after taking the elbow from Bennett, however he vomited close to the Leafs’ bench throughout a TV timeout and subsequently left the sport. Stolarz was taken to an area hospital for additional analysis earlier than being despatched dwelling. He didn’t seem within the Leafs’ web by the remainder of the collection, however did return because the backup in Sport 7.
“It was simply an unlucky incident,” Stolarz mentioned. “(Bennett) caught me in a foul spot, and I simply needed to undergo the steps to get wholesome.”
Stolarz additionally took a slap shot to his face masks earlier in Sport 1, however he mentioned he didn’t consider that contributed to his damage.
“I don’t assume so. I’ve taken numerous pucks off my helmet in my profession, and I felt high-quality,” Stolarz mentioned. “The best way I felt after that, it was most likely one other 45 minutes, and I didn’t really feel something. However after (Bennett’s elbow) is after I began to really feel signs.”
Stolarz spoke with Bennett after the incident.
“I simply advised him it’s a type of issues. It’s a really quick sport and s—’s going to occur,” Stolarz mentioned.
Within the days after sustaining the concussion, Stolarz didn’t apply or journey with the group. He did skate with Leafs workers.
Stolarz was a shock addition to the Leafs’ lineup in Sport 7. Actions on the morning skate instructed Matt Murray would again up Joseph Woll, however Stolarz took warmups and spent the sport on the bench.
The 31-year-old made 34 regular-season appearances — essentially the most of his profession — and led the NHL with a .926 save proportion. Stolarz’s measurement, aggressive manner and shot-tracking capacity established him as a bona fide NHL tandem goalie for the primary time. He performed all six video games within the Maple Leafs’ first-round victory over the Ottawa Senators.
Stolarz’s stellar play was a considerably shocking vibrant spot this season after he inked a two-year, $5-million deal within the offseason. He was one of many group’s most useful gamers, serving to lead the Leafs to a first-place end within the Atlantic Division.
(Picture: John E. Sokolowski / Imagn Pictures)
