For the first time this postseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs are making a change in their starting goaltender.
Head coach Craig Berube informed reporters that Anthony Stolarz has been ruled out for Wednesday`s Game 2 matchup against the Florida Panthers. Joseph Woll will take his place as the starter.
Veteran goalie Matt Murray is confirmed to serve as Woll`s backup for the game.
Stolarz left Game 1 during the second period following a hit to the head from Florida`s Sam Bennett. He was visibly ill on the bench during a break in play and was subsequently taken to the hospital. He returned to the team on Tuesday.
Sam Bennett received no disciplinary action from the league regarding the hit.
Berube provided no specific timeline for Stolarz`s return, stating only that he is “doing well.” The team has not disclosed the nature of his injury.
The coach explained that Matt Murray was chosen as the backup over 23-year-old Dennis Hildeby due to Murray`s extensive playoff experience, which includes winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 31-year-old Stolarz had previously been the primary goalie for Toronto in these playoffs, starting and playing in all six games of their first-round series victory over the Ottawa Senators. In that series win, he posted a .901 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average.
During the regular season, Stolarz appeared in 34 games for the Maple Leafs. In his debut year with the team, he recorded a 21-8-3 record, a .926 save percentage, and a 2.14 GAA.
Before exiting the game on Monday, Stolarz had stopped eight of the nine shots he faced.
Joseph Woll, 26, entered Game 1 in relief of Stolarz and stopped 17 of 20 shots. The Maple Leafs ultimately held on to win the game with a 5-4 score.
