Report: Stolarz hospitalized, Leafs' coach feels Bennett 'elbow to the head' was 'clear as day'

As is often the case when it comes to Florida Panthers and playoff games, much of the talk after Monday’s Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs was about a controversial hit.

Sometimes, it’s the Panthers player who gets hit.

This time, it was Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz leaving the game about ten minutes about taking a Sam Bennett forearm to the head.

The hit itself came as Bennett drove to the net with the puck, as his body moved into the goal crease and came into contact with Stolarz’s head.

While Bennett doesn’t appear to extend his arm or use any additional force, his momentum was enough to cause Stolarz to go down, clearly impacted by the hit.

Officials immediately whistled play dead, but no penalty was called on the play, and Stolarz remained in the game for about two minutes of game time.

At the next timeout, Stolarz skated over to the Leafs bench and threw up into it. After that, Joseph Woll came into the game.

It has since been reported by TSN’s Chris Johnson that Stolarz was taken out of Scotiabank Arena on a stretcher and to a local area hospital for further evaluation.

Speaking after the game, Toronto Head Coach Craig Berube made it clear how he felt about the play.

“Elbow to the head,” Berube said. “Clear as day.”

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice was also asked about the hit.

“The referee was standing right there when it happened,” Maurice said. “You will do your thing, the league will do its thing, and I’ll coach the next game, hopefully.”

One thing that is worth noting is that Stolarz took a shot directly to the head during the first period, one that traveled with enough force to pop both lower straps off his helmet.

The NHL Department of Player Safety looks at every play that could potentially lead to further discipline, so it’s safe to say that they’ll be taking a close look at this one.

We should find out in relatively short order if they feel this play warrants any further action.

While each head coach clearly had a different opinion on what happened, one thing that both could agree on is that they hope Stolarz turns out to be fine and is back on the ice in short order.

“We’re hopeful for Anthony and his health,” said Maurice. “We love that guy, and we hope he gets better real fast.”

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