What Berube said after Bennett injured Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Stolarz
The Toronto Maple Leafs weren’t happy after Game 1 against the Florida Panthers despite picking up the win.
The Leafs took a 1-0 series lead with a 5-4 victory, but lost goalie Anthony Stolarz in the process. The Leafs were leading 4-1 when Panthers forward Sam Bennett collided with Stolarz, making contact with the goalie’s head. Stolarz played a few more minutes but eventually was seen throwing up on the bench before reportedly leaving the arena on a stretcher.
Joseph Woll entered the game, and the momentum swung completely in the Panthers’ direction. The Leafs held on for a 5-4 win, but their players and coaches were clearly not happy with what they viewed as Bennett’s dirty play.
“Elbow to the head. Clearly, clear as day,” said Leafs coach Craig Berube. “We handled it the way we should handle it. I’m not sure why there’s not a call on it, but you know I get it, they miss calls, but it’s clearly a penalty.”
Stolarz has been very good for the Leafs during their playoff run thus far. He’s started every postseason game and has a 2.19 goals-against-average. Losing him would be a massive blow.
“He’s been our rock for the whole year, so can’t say enough about him. That’s all I’m really going to say about it,” added veteran Chris Tanev.
Woll finished the game for the Leafs, allowing three goals but securing the win. Stolarz’s status moving forward is still uncertain, as he was taken to the hospital for further testing.
“He is being evaluated. That is all I have for you,” said Berube when asked about a Stolarz update.
Bennett is one of the best agitators in the league and a key piece of the Panthers’ attack. This play will surely draw attention from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, and Bennett could be suspended. The decision made will have a great impact on this series, either way.
“It is up to the league,” continued Berube about supplementary discipline. “They will do what they think is necessary on that play. It is not for me to comment on. That is their job, and they will do it.”
While Berube was clear that he thought the referees made a mistake, his counterpart, Panthers coach Paul Maurice, took a more balanced approach.
“The referee was standing right there when it happened,” said Maurice. “[The media] will do [its] thing, the league will do its thing, and Iāll coach the next game, hopefully. After that start, you never know.”
This is Stolarz’s first season with the Maple Leafs. He played for the Panthers last year, so he’s familiar with Maurice, Bennett, and the entire organization.
“We’re hopeful for Anthony and his health. We love that guy, and we hope he gets better real fast,” added Maurice.
Bennett was not made available to the media postgame despite being requested by local media.
This series has started with fireworks, and there are still many games to be played. It’s shaping up to be a good one, and the two teams are right back in action on Wednesday.