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Coach Craig Berube with an update on Anthony Stolarz for Game 2
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Coach Craig Berube with an update on Anthony Stolarz for Game 2

Straight from the coach this morning.

Trevor Connors

In case you missed it last night Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz left Scotiabank Arena in a stretcher.

From Johnston:


This morning, Bennett spoke to the media for the first time since the incident and, essentially took no blame for putting Stolarz in the hospital. He did mention, however, that he personally reached out to Stolarz and heard from him yesterday evening. The pair are of course former teammates.




Meanwhile, Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters this morning that Stolarz may be available for Game 2 tomorrow evening.


Stolarz left yesterday evening's game in the 2nd period shortly after taking a knee to the head from Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Stolarz was seen vomiting into a bucket on the Leafs' bench just prior to being replaced by Joseph Woll.

Check it out:


Stolarz has been replaced by backup Joseph Woll midway through the second period of Game 1 after Stolarz took an elbow to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

According to a report from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has been released from hospital. 


Immediately following the game, Leafs head coach Craig Berube appealed to the NHL and to NHL Player Safety for a suspension on the play. In his post-game media availability Berube said that that Bennett's elbow to the head of Stolarz was "clear as day."

Check it out:


Bennett received no penalty on the play and NHL insider Chris Johnston reports this morning that Bennett is NOT expected to receive a call from NHL Player Safety:


What's your call? Should Bennett be looking at a fine or suspension?

I'll be honest... it didn't look like much to me. But if indeed Stolarz was vomiting due to head trauma, well maybe this needs to be investigated further? I don't know what the right answer is. There are going to be bumps and bruises along the road of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but targeting the back of a goalie's head should never be seen as acceptable. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Bennett earned himself a game or two suspension, despite this act not being particularly aggressive. Then again, I could see NHL Player Safety scoffing off the matter entirely.

So again... what's your call?

Source: Jonas Siegel