The Toronto Maple Leafs have found themselves in a tough spot as they prepare for Game 4 against the Florida Panthers. After taking a brutal elbow to the head in Game 1, goalie Anthony Stolarz remains sidelined and has yet to start skating. With no clear timeline for his return, the Leafs are once again turning to Joseph Woll, who's now tasked with leading Toronto through the biggest moments of the season. As the pressure mounts, the question on every fan's mind is: how long will Stolarz be out, and can Woll rise to the occasion?
Anthony Stolarz still not skating after brutal Game 1 injury
Stolarz’s injury came midway through Game 1, after he took an elbow to the head from Florida Panthers’ forward Sam Bennett . The collision, which came after an earlier shot to Stolarz’s mask, caused the 31-year-old to immediately leave the ice. Fans watched in concern as Stolarz was seen vomiting on the bench before being rushed to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Despite the severity of the hit, the NHL’s Player Safety Department decided not to issue any punishment to Bennett, leaving many fans feeling frustrated. Since then, Stolarz has been progressing in his recovery, according to head coach Craig Berube. However, there’s still no update on when the goalie will resume skating or get back into the lineup. While Stolarz was present at Tuesday’s practice, he did not travel with the team for Games 3 and 4.
During the regular season, Stolarz was a reliable presence in net for the Leafs, boasting a 2.19 GAA and .901 save percentage. With him out, the Leafs are left to put their playoff hopes in the hands of Woll.
In Stolarz's absence, Joseph Woll has stepped up, starting in net for the Leafs. Woll has faced a hefty amount of pressure, with mixed results. In Game 3, he posted a .869 save percentage, which, while not ideal, still saw him outperforming Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. However, with the Leafs losing 5-4 in overtime, the pressure on Woll is only going to increase.
Also read - Joseph Woll faces career-defining moment as Leafs hang hopes on him after Game 3 OT heartbreaker
Anthony Stolarz still not skating after brutal Game 1 injury
Stolarz’s injury came midway through Game 1, after he took an elbow to the head from Florida Panthers’ forward Sam Bennett . The collision, which came after an earlier shot to Stolarz’s mask, caused the 31-year-old to immediately leave the ice. Fans watched in concern as Stolarz was seen vomiting on the bench before being rushed to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Despite the severity of the hit, the NHL’s Player Safety Department decided not to issue any punishment to Bennett, leaving many fans feeling frustrated. Since then, Stolarz has been progressing in his recovery, according to head coach Craig Berube. However, there’s still no update on when the goalie will resume skating or get back into the lineup. While Stolarz was present at Tuesday’s practice, he did not travel with the team for Games 3 and 4.
During the regular season, Stolarz was a reliable presence in net for the Leafs, boasting a 2.19 GAA and .901 save percentage. With him out, the Leafs are left to put their playoff hopes in the hands of Woll.
In Stolarz's absence, Joseph Woll has stepped up, starting in net for the Leafs. Woll has faced a hefty amount of pressure, with mixed results. In Game 3, he posted a .869 save percentage, which, while not ideal, still saw him outperforming Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. However, with the Leafs losing 5-4 in overtime, the pressure on Woll is only going to increase.
Also read - Joseph Woll faces career-defining moment as Leafs hang hopes on him after Game 3 OT heartbreaker
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