Anthony Stolarz Released From Hospital, But Questions Remain In A Bizarre Year For The Maple Leafs’ Goaltender
While Anthony Stolarz avoided a serious injury in Ottawa, the chaotic circumstances surrounding his late scratch only further highlight the fragile state of the Maple Leafs' crease.
KANATA, Ont. — Unable to make his scheduled start against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Toronto Maple leafs Anthony Stolarz has been cleared to return home after some precautionary imaging, following a scary incident in warmups. Stolarz was sidelined before Toronto’s 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre just before puck drop after taking a routine warmup shot from star forward William Nylander off the throat.
The incident forced an immediate exit for Stolarz and thrust Joseph Woll into the crease. It was a tough ask for Woll, who had just faced 36 shots the previous night in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Nylander explained that he was aiming for Stolarz’s glove during a standard warmup drill when the shot sailed “a little bit to the left”.
“It was an accident… that happens,” Nylander said. “I'm obviously very upset that he got hurt and couldn't play tonight. I feel very bad about it.
I've been texting him, and he's been good. He said, 'It's okay'”. Anthony Stolarz will not start tonight for the Maple Leafs after taking a shot up high in warmups pic.