Christencilton May 10, 2025, 12:21 PM ET
Closekristen Shilton is ESPN’s national NHL reporter.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Straltz continues back, but isn’t nearing his return in Toronto’s second round Eastern Conference Playoff Series with the Florida Panthers.
“He’s going in the right direction,” Maple Leafs manager Craig Belbe said on Saturday. “But he’s not skating yet. [since getting hurt]. ”
Stolarz was injured in Game 1 on Monday. The goaltender left the exit shortly after Bennett’s hit, and in the second season he took off his mask and elbow with Panthers Sam Bennett forward from the Panthers’ head. Stolarz, who was sick on the Toronto bench, was later taken to the hospital for evaluation before quitting the match.
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The veteran was able to rejoin his teammates at the facility on Tuesday, but did not travel to the Maple Leafs and Florida ahead of Game 3 on Friday.
Joseph Wal took over the opening obligation from Stolarz and bet Toronto for a 2-0 lead in the Top 7 Series. However, Woll struggled in Game 3, recording a save percentage of .861 as the Panthers made two multi-goal comebacks work overtime at the Multi-Girl Leaf 5-4.
Berube said he “thought” after the loss. [Woll] However, he didn’t love when Panthers fourth liner Jona Gadjovic neatly beat the goaltender from the outside of the right face-off circle to give Florida the first lead of the game 4-3.
Woll is also adapted to playing the puck in Florida’s pre-suffocation forecheck.
“They rim a lot of packs,” Wal said Friday. “I’m trying to do my best to help us break out.”
Florida doesn’t make it easier in Toronto in that respect. Berube expects Woll to learn from the mistakes he made on Friday and improve.
“Difficult,” Belve said. “A lot of those rims are up. They’re not on ice. It’s designed. If they can get it, they’ll put it on the glass. It’s pretty difficult for him to come out and play them.
Game 4 of the series is set to Sunday.
