Anthony Stolarz returns to the ice, but his return is still uncertain
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz has taken a significant step in his recovery from an unspecified injury sustained in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Second Round playoff series against the Florida Panthers.
Stolarz was back on the ice on Tuesday, training with goaltending coach Curtis Sanford for approximately 30 minutes before the team’s optional practice. This was the first time he has been seen in action since he was injured on May 5.
Está progresando. Está un poco en el hielo. Se siente mucho mejor.
Craig Berube, Entrenador de los Leafs
Leafs coach Craig Berube did not provide an updated timeline on when Stolarz might be available, but noted it was a positive sign to see him back on the ice.
Stolarz’s injury occurred midway through Game 1, after taking a shot to the mask and an elbow to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Stolarz left the game shortly thereafter and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Since then, he has been out of action and did not travel with the Leafs to Florida for Games 3 and 4 of the series last week. Berube then confirmed that Stolarz had not yet resumed skating.
The veteran goaltender had started in all six of the Leafs’ games in their first-round series against Ottawa, posting a 4-2 record with a .901 save percentage and 2.19 GAA to help Toronto advance.
Joseph Woll has taken the lead in the Toronto net following the injury. He ended up leading the Leafs to victory in Games 1 and 2, before the Panthers responded with a pair of home wins to tie the best-of-seven series, 2-2. Woll now has a 2-2 postseason record, with a .893 save percentage and 3.51 GAA.
Game 5 between the Leafs and the Panthers is scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.
