Anthony Stolarz initially repeatedly took center stage, but later ended the evening in the hospital. © APA / CLAUS ANDERSEN

Goalie shock: Nasty playoff scenes in Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs and defending champion Florida Panthers kicked off the second round of the NHL playoffs last night (CEST). Right from the start, there was plenty of spectacle, drama, and talking points.

06 May 2025

From: fop/dpa

The reigning champions lost 4-5 to the iconic Canadian team. The Panthers came close to the hosts thanks to three goals in the final period, having trailed 1-4 at one point, but couldn't prevent the loss at the start of the best-of-seven series. A team needs four wins to advance.

Toronto ultimately won thanks to a strong start and a three-pointer from superstar William Nylander. He set the stage for victory early on. In the final period, Matthew Knies sealed the victory with a stunning backhand shot to make it 5-3. Florida only managed to pull one back in the final minute.

However, the Maple Leafs' victory is not without its problems. A possible injury to goalie Anthony Stolarz in the second period is a cause for concern.

Stolarz vomits on the bench

In one game, Sam Bennett made a rough move when he connected with his Florida teammate last year in the head with his arm. The teammate then fell to the ground and was slow to get back up. He had already taken a hard shot to his mask. Stolarz allowed himself to be checked at the boards and continued playing until the next commercial break, but then had to be substituted. TV footage showed Stolarz bent over the boards and vomiting into a bucket.

According to media reports, Stolarz was transported from the stadium by stretcher during the third period and taken to a hospital. Further examinations will now be conducted there. The team did not provide any details on the nature of his injury.

Tkachuk goes crazy

Stolarz's early exit certainly caused controversy, however – as did Matthew Tkachuk's attempted knee check and stick stab against Toronto star Mitch Marner in the very last second of the game, as the victorious Canadians were already turning to celebrate. The incidents went unpunished.

The NHL playoff quarterfinals:

Toronto Maple Leafs – Florida Panthers 5:4
2nd match: May 8 (1 a.m., CEST)
Series: 1:0

Washington Capitals-Carolina Hurricanes
1nd match: May 7 (1 a.m., CEST)

Winnipeg Jets-Dallas Stars
1st game: May 8, (3.30:XNUMX a.m., CEST)

Vegas Golden Knights-Edmonton Oilers
1nd match: May 7 (3.30 a.m., CEST)