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Sam Bennett avoids suspension or fine after knocking out Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Stolarz

Adam Laskaris
Adam Laskaris
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May 6 2025, 1:50 pm
Sam Bennett avoids suspension or fine after knocking out Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Stolarz
John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images

After a tight 5-4 win to take a 1-0 series lead in their second-round matchup over the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs fans would be expected to be jubilant.

But much of the postgame conversation centred around Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz, who vomited on the bench and later exited the arena on a stretcher after a hit to the head from Florida’s Sam Bennett, while also taking a puck off the face earlier in the game.

According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Bennett is not expected to face additional fines or suspensions for the play.

“Bennett/Stolarz was probably a missed penalty on the ice, but the Department of Player Safety doesn’t give suspensions based on outcomes, only the act,” Kaplan added in a follow-up tweet.

The news was confirmed moments later by The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun added on Tuesday morning that Stolarz had exited a local hospital after being transported there on Monday night.

Bennett did not speak to reporters after being requested postgame, but said Tuesday morning that he’d reached out to Stolarz to be clear there was no ill intent.

“Just trying to play my game,” Bennett said, per ESPN’s Kristen Shilton.

The two coaches in the game had differing opinions on the play.

“Elbow to the head. Clear as day,” Leafs head coach Craig Berube said postgame.

Though he clearly had his own thoughts on the play, Berube wouldn’t comment on whether he thought a suspension or possible fine was coming from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

“That is not up to me. It is up to the league. 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.”

Panthers coach Paul Maurice, who coached Stolarz last year as part of the Stanley Cup champion Florida team, also shared his thoughts.

“[My view was] not nearly as good as the referee’s vantage point. He was standing right there. He saw it. Coaches coach. You know what? We are hopeful for Anthony and his health. We love that guy. We hope he gets better really fast,” Maurice said.

The Leafs and Panthers renew hostilities on Tuesday, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. EDT at Scotiabank Arena.

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