Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has confirmed that a concussion was the reason he was sidelined for the majority of the second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
Speaking with reporters, Stolarz revealed he began feeling symptoms after a collision with Sam Bennett during Game 1. The 31-year-old netminder left Game 1 shortly after this incident, and broadcast cameras showed him appearing unwell on the Maple Leafs` bench before he went to the dressing room.
Stolarz was available as Joseph Woll`s backup for Game 7 but did not participate in any further on-ice action after the first game. He clarified that the injury was not caused by a puck hitting his mask earlier in the first period of Game 1, which had momentarily dislodged it.
The New Jersey native concluded the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-2 record, posting a 2.19 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage over seven appearances. In the preceding regular season, he led all NHL goalies with a .926 save percentage, achieved over a career-high 33 starts where he earned 21 wins.
Addressing the hit from Bennett, Stolarz indicated he doesn`t believe his former teammate acted maliciously and that the collision was simply an unfortunate circumstance.
Tristan Blackwood