Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz hospitalized after puck to throat in warmups

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was forced to miss a crucial start against the Ottawa Senators on March 21, 2026, after taking a puck to the throat during pregame warmups.[1] The incident, which occurred in Ottawa, sent shockwaves through the team as Stolarz was transported to a local hospital for precautionary imaging.[2] Fortunately, updates indicated he was released and set to rejoin the squad shortly after.

Joseph Woll stepped in as the emergency replacement, but the Leafs fell 5-2 to the Senators in a game that highlighted their goaltending depth challenges.[3] This setback comes at a tough time for Toronto, already navigating a demanding schedule.

The incident in Ottawa

The drama unfolded during warmups before the Leafs’ matchup with the Senators. Stolarz, who was the expected starter, absorbed a shot from teammate William Nylander that struck him directly in the throat.[4][5] He immediately left the ice and was taken to the hospital as a precaution, leaving the team to scramble.

Medical staff acted swiftly, prioritizing imaging to rule out any serious damage to his neck or airway. Such injuries, though rare in warmups, can be frightening given the vulnerability of the throat area.[2] Stolarz had been performing his routine stretches when the errant puck found its mark.

Leafs coach Craig Berube provided a positive update postgame, stating Stolarz was out of the hospital and en route to meet the team at the plane back to Toronto.[1] This reassurance eased some concerns, but the full extent of any bruising or soreness remains unclear.

Nylander, known for his powerful wrist shot, likely did not intend the mishap, but it underscored the risks even in practice-like settings. For more on the play-by-play, check the NHL.com report.[2]

Incidents like this are not unprecedented in hockey, recalling times when pucks have clipped masks or exposed areas during drills. The Leafs’ training staff deserves credit for their rapid response.

Woll’s challenging night and game recap

With Stolarz sidelined, Woll drew his second straight start after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes the night before, where he faced 36 shots.[1] Against Ottawa, he stopped 33 of 38 shots but couldn’t stem the tide as the Senators capitalized early.

Ottawa jumped ahead with a power-play goal from Tim Stutzle late in the first period, followed by tallies from Claude Giroux and Warren Foegele to build a 3-0 lead by the second intermission.[3] John Tavares clawed one back for Toronto, but Michael Amadio and Ridly Greig sealed the 5-2 victory in the third.

Senators netminder Linus Ullmark faced just 14 shots, making 12 saves in a relatively comfortable outing. The loss dropped Toronto’s record amid a stretch of back-to-back games.

Woll’s performance, while valiant, exposed the Leafs’ reliance on their tandem. Earlier this season, similar depth tests arose from injuries.

For a full game breakdown, see the ESPN recap.[3]

Stolarz’s role and season to date

In his second year with Toronto, Stolarz has posted an 8-9-3 record across 22 games, with a .894 save percentage and 3.34 goals-against average.[2][1] These numbers reflect a backup role behind primary starter, but his experience has been vital.

He missed 33 games earlier due to an upper-body injury, returning to steady the crease.[2] Stolarz, a 6-foot-6 presence, brings size and rebound control to the position.

• Key stats for Stolarz (2025-26):
  • Games played: 22
  • Record: 8-9-3
  • Save percentage: .894
  • Goals-against average: 3.34

His acquisition has aimed to bolster depth, especially in playoffs. Past stints with Philadelphia and Anaheim honed his reliability.

Comparisons to Woll show a balanced tandem, though both have faced fatigue lately. Stolarz’s absence tests this further.

Implications for the playoff push

The Leafs face Boston on Tuesday, March 24, without confirmed status for Stolarz.[1] If he’s day-to-day, Woll may continue starting, but fatigue looms large.

Toronto’s goaltending carousel echoes past seasons, where injuries amplified pressure on stars like Auston Matthews. Healthy returns will be key.

Berube’s steady hand has navigated prior crises, emphasizing rest and monitoring.[1] Fans await imaging results.

Broader lessons include enhanced protective gear in warmups. Neck guards, mandated recently league-wide, might mitigate such scares.

This episode reminds teams of unpredictability. Monitoring updates via ESPN coverage will be essential.[1]

Stolarz’s quick recovery bodes well, but the Leafs must rally. A win in Boston could shift momentum, underscoring resilience in a grueling Atlantic Division race.

As the regular season winds down, Toronto’s depth will define their postseason fate. Expect Stolarz back soon, strengthening their tandem for the stretch run.