The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered another setback on Saturday as goaltender Anthony Stolarz was injured during pre-game warmups against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Stolarz took a puck to the throat off a shot from forward William Nylander. He was immediately taken to a local hospital for precautionary imaging.
The team later announced Stolarz was released from the hospital and would meet the team for their flight back to Toronto. Head coach Craig Berube did not have an update on Stolarz's condition following the Leafs' 5-2 loss to the Senators. Nylander expressed remorse, stating he had been texting Stolarz and that he seemed to be okay.
Joseph Woll, who was originally slated to be the backup, was thrust into the starting role. Woll made 38 saves in the game. The Leafs were also forced to use an emergency backup goalie. To add to the Leafs' woes, defenceman Morgan Rielly was also out of the lineup, listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
Stolarz has had a difficult, injury-plagued season. In 22 games, he has an 8-9-3 record with a 3.34 goals-against average and a.894 save percentage. He also missed significant time earlier in the season with a nerve injury. Stolarz signed a four-year, $15 million contract with the Maple Leafs in September.
