What do you get when you pair the victors of the Battle of Florida and the Battle of Ottawa? Another battle. That’s exactly what’s playing out in Game 1 between the defending champions and the Maple Leafs as round 2 of the NHL playoffs heats up. And why wouldn’t it? It took Leafs forward William Nylander all of 33 seconds to find the back of the net, putting the Panthers on the back foot, and that was only the beginning.
The Maple Leafs scored three more times in the first shift. Although the Panthers answered back, the Leafs re-established their three-goal lead, scoring the sole goal of the second period. The defending champions’ frustration showed as they failed to score, and things got rough. Even the Maple Leafs goalie couldn’t escape the hits. As SDNP’s Jesse Blake put it, a ‘bump’ from Sam Bennett floored Anthony Stolarz, and he couldn’t continue.
Meanwhile, insider Elliotte Friedman wrote: “Joseph Woll is in for Stolarz… a few minutes ago, Stolarz took an elbow from Sam Bennett,” on X. While many thought Stolarz would return when the third period started, things might be worse than anyone expected. “Leafs announce Stolarz will not return… Woll in goal,” Elliotte added in a follow-up post as the third shift started.
Leafs announce Stolarz will not return…Woll in goal…Hildeby is third goalie for Toronto
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 6, 2025
This story is developing…
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