Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) loses his mask after a shot knocked it off during first period, round two, game one NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey action against the Florida Panthers, in Toronto on Monday, May 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
The Toronto Maple Leafs will likely be without their starting goaltender as they face elimination for the first time this postseason.
Head coach Craig Berube informed reporters that Anthony Stolarz is doubtful to travel with the team for Game 6 in Florida.
Stolarz, who was forced out of Game 1 due to injury, had his second skate session since the incident on Thursday.
The 31-year-old goalie exited the opening game of the series after receiving an elbow to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
This collision with his former Florida teammate occurred shortly after Stolarz had taken a shot directly to his mask earlier in that same game.
Following the hit from Bennett, the goaltender went to the locker room – notably, he vomited into the Maple Leafs` bench before doing so – and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for assessment.
Joseph Woll has taken over the starting duties in Stolarz`s absence, recording a .877 save percentage and a 4.02 goals-against average over five appearances.
The Maple Leafs are currently trailing the Panthers 3-2 in the second-round series. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
