Maple Leafs Reportedly Have a Plan B in Place in Case Anthony Stolarz Can't Dress

While the hockey world continues to debate Bennett's cheap shot on Anthony Stolarz that forced him to leave Game 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs have no choice but to make plans in case he can't return to the series against the Florida Panthers.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety has already made the controversial decision not to punish Bennett, while Leafs head coach Craig Berube looks through his lineup to see who can fill the potential void.

A small group of Maple Leafs "Black Aces" players took to the ice the day after Game 1 to practice. Among them was veteran goaltender Matt Murray, who is expected to back up Joseph Woll in Game 2 Wednesday night if Stolarz can't play.

Despite the fact that Stolarz looked to be in rough shape following the elbow from Bennett, Leafs head coach Craig Berube is not willing to rule him out of Game 2 just yet. He told reporters he's not sure whether Stolarz has a concussion, and further evaluation is needed.

Bennett told reporters he reached out to his former teammate following the game, and Stolarz responded. He did not elaborate on what was said. Bennett claimed he was "just taking the puck to the net" and didn't even realize he had made contact with Stolarz.

Regardless of whether Stolarz can play, Game 2 will be interesting, and may include more physicality than we've seen from the Leafs in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs so far.