Panthers' Sam Bennett won't face discipline for hit on Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz

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While Anthony Stolarz couldn’t avoid an elbow to the head by Sam Bennett on Monday night, the Florida Panthers forward has dodged any hearing with the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety.

Multiple reports Tuesday morning said the unpenalized hit that took the Maple Leafs goalie out of the game, with a 4-1 lead that turned into a 5-4 nail-biting Toronto win, will not be subject to any discipline.

Though Toronto coach Craig Berube called it “an elbow to the head, clear as day” and Stolarz was ill at the Leafs bench before getting pulled for Joseph Woll and stretchered to hospital for concussion evaluation, there was some doubt whether an earlier shot that knocked Stolarz’s mask off might have contributed to his condition.

Florida coach Paul Maurice maintained “the referee (Chris Rooney) is standing right there when it happened” and didn’t send Bennett to the box.

Bennett reportedly got in contact with Stolarz after the game to check on the Leafs goalie.

The Leafs have an optional practice later Tuesday morning when Stolarz’s availability for Game 2 on Wednesday could be updated by Berube.

Woll made 17 of 20 saves in relief and the Leafs had Marlies call-up Dennis Hildeby dressed on the bench in the third period as his backup.

The skilled, but rough-house Bennett has hurt the Leafs in playoffs before, concussing Matthew Knies in the second round of the 2023 playoffs, a series Florida won in five games.

The 31-year-old Stolarz has been solid in his first post-season as a starter, keeping a tidy 2.19 goals against average and .901 save percentage in his seven starts.

lhornby@postmedia.com

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