Anthony Stolarz was taken to hospital after a controversial incident in Game 1 between Toronto and Florida. Maple Leafs fans were absolutely furious that Sam Bennett wasn’t suspended for the collision with Stolarz’s head—but now, an NHL insider has dropped a bold take on the hit, and why the decision not to issue further discipline was correct.
Everyone knew the second-round series between the Maple Leafs and Panthers would be a feisty one. But already in Game 1, controversial incidents and heated battles were everywhere. Toronto ultimately escaped with a 5–4 win, but postgame, most of the talk was about Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz, who left the game on a stretcher after being seen vomiting on the bench.
Stolarz appeared to be injured during a collision with Sam Bennett, who elbowed the goalie while cutting through the crease. Many hockey fans—especially in Toronto—were certain Bennett would be suspended, especially given the Panthers’ reputation for playing tough, sometimes borderline hockey. But on Tuesday, the NHL announced there would be no additional discipline, leaving many outraged.
Bold take on Anthony Stolarz incident
Now, TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button has weighed in—and his take is bold, and unlikely to sit well with Leafs fans.
“Sam Bennett takes no prisoners when he’s playing the game, and he’s going to play it hard,” Button said. “He might even go across the line. This, to me, number one, is a hockey play… I don’t see any elbow. I see kind of a rub in there.”
Button believes Bennett is now public enemy No. 1 in Toronto—but still doesn’t think he deserves supplementary discipline.
“There doesn’t look to me to be any force on Anthony Stolarz’s head there,” Button said.
“And certainly, he has become enemy number one, number two, number three right now after that play with Anthony Stolarz. There’s no doubt about it.”
READ MORE: Doctor releases new theory on Anthony Stolarz’s scary injury
