Woll Takes Over for Stolarz as Maple Leafs Face Panthers in Game 2

TORONTO — Joseph Woll will start in goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they face the Florida Panthers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Second Round at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. Woll steps in as starter after Anthony Stolarz, the previous starting goalie, sustained an injury during Game 1.

Stolarz left the ice after vomiting following a collision with Panthers center Sam Bennett. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation but has since rejoined his teammates at the Ford Performance Centre. Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube provided an update on Stolarz after the team’s morning skate, saying, “He’s fine. He’s recovering. He’s doing OK.” However, Berube did not specify the nature of the injury or whether Stolarz could possibly return later in the series.

Woll, who is 4-2 this postseason with a 2.12 goals-against average and .924 save percentage, made 17 saves in Game 1, which the Maple Leafs won 5-4. Berube opted to have veteran Matt Murray as Woll’s backup due to Murray’s significant playoff experience, including two Stanley Cup wins with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

In Game 2, Florida expects to regain an important player as defenseman Aaron Ekblad returns from a two-game suspension. Ekblad’s physical presence is seen as crucial for the Panthers, who will aim to limit the scoring chances of the Maple Leafs’ potent offensive lineup, which includes Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.

Both teams have strategies to employ as the series continues. The Maple Leafs will seek to maintain the aggressive forecheck that allowed them initial success in Game 1. “We want to keep pressing and create turnovers,” said a Maple Leafs player. Meanwhile, Florida aims to capitalize on its defensive strength that helped them eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.

Teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-7 series have a strong historical advantage, with an all-time series record of 531-249. The Panthers will look to utilize their experience and defensive structure to rebound in Game 2, while the Maple Leafs hope to maintain their momentum.

As the playoffs advance, both teams understand the intensity and stakes of the series, echoing sentiments from their respective coaches on the need for discipline and focus.