Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz appears unlikely to return to series vs. Panthers, hasn’t begun skating since Game 1 exit

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FORT LAUDERDALE — As the Maple Leafs approach a possible midway point of their second-round series against the Florida Panthers, the likelihood of their starting goaltender returning this series still feels low.

There is still a crucial hurdle Anthony Stolarz has not cleared in his recovery from a possible concussion.

“(Stolarz) has not skated yet,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said of his goaltender the morning after the Leafs lost 5-4 in Game 3 to the Panthers.

Berube did state that Stolarz is “progressing in the right direction.” He had previously left the door open for Stolarz’s return, saying “We’ll see,” ahead of Game 2.

But Saturday’s update felt far more realistic.

The fact that Stolarz has not even begun skating casts doubt over his return this series. Game 4 is Sunday night. The Leafs remain up 2-1 in the series.

Should the series progress to Game 6, the Leafs would need to return to Florida. It’s worth wondering if the Leafs would even have Stolarz fly so soon after his injury, considering he did not make the original trip with the team for Games 3 and 4.

Stolarz left Game 1 after being elbowed in the head by Panthers centre Sam Bennett. While Stolarz remained in the game for about two minutes of game action, he then skated to the Leafs bench and vomited in the middle of a TV timeout.

Berube has since confirmed that Stolarz was evaluated at the hospital but has declined to say specifically if he sustained a concussion.

If Stolarz is indeed suffering from a concussion, there is a timeline to consider. The return-to-play progression for NHL players dealing with head injuries typically lasts at least seven days. The league’s Concussion Evaluation and Management Protocol outlines a six-step evaluation process in which exercise, intensity and contact are steadily increased in 24-hour increments to gauge whether post-concussion symptoms are still present.

Team physicians are responsible for determining when a player has cleared protocol and returned to his neurological baseline, which clears the way for a return to live game action.

In Stolarz’s absence, Joseph Woll has earned two wins but is also struggling to put his stamp on the series. Through two-and-a-half games, Woll has allowed 11 goals and has an .869 save percentage. While he has made some timely saves, particularly in Game 2, there has been a noticeable drop off in Woll’s play with the puck compared to Stolarz.

“(The Panthers) are coming hard. We know that,” Berube said of Woll’s puck play on Saturday. “(Woll) is going to have to move it quick, make a decision quick and move it. That’s the bottom line.”

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston contributed to this report.

(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

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