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Rielly, Tanev praise Woll after stepping in for injured Stolarz in Game 1 win vs. Panthers

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
May 6, 2025, 07:00 EDTUpdated: May 6, 2025, 00:39 EDT
Only one game in, round two is already delivering the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto held off three comeback attempts from the Florida Panthers, winning 5-4 in Game 1. Despite the victory, they also suffered a major loss when starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz left the game with an apparent injury.
Joseph Woll took Stolarz’s place midway through the second period. And while Stolarz had started the night strong with one goal allowed through 30 minutes played, Woll didn’t come in as hot. Florida scored two goals in the first five minutes of the third period to cut Toronto’s lead to 4-3. Matthew Knies responded for the Leafs later in the period, but then an unlucky deflection beat Woll once more late, with Florida coming up just short of the tying goal. Woll finished with an .850 save percentage, narrowly earning the win after making 17 saves.
Speaking to media after Game 1, Maple Leafs veteran defenceman Morgan Rielly shared that amidst the confusion of Stolarz’s exit, there was no concern about their backup entering the game.
“We didn’t know what happened, but we have all the faith in the world in Joe,” Rielly said of Woll. “You don’t want anyone to leave the game, but we have faith in our depth and our guys. I though Joe came in and played well.”
Considering the tough situation he was entering, defenceman Chris Tanev also praised the goalie for rising to the occasion.
“Joe did a great job,” Tanev said. “That’s not an easy thing to do, so you gotta give him props for doing that.”
Stolarz and Woll split the workload this season nearly evenly, barring Woll’s additional starts through Stolarz’s mid-season injury. Stolarz eventually claimed the starting spot for the playoffs with his consistency and stellar play to end the year. He has four wins and a 2.19 GAA through the postseason so far.
There is still yet to be a formal update on Stolarz’s condition following his Game 1 exit, as he’s still under evaluation. After he was spotted throwing up on the bench, Stolarz reportedly left the arena on a stretcher. It appears certain that Woll will start Game 2 on Wednesday.
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