Maple Leaf News and Rumors: Stolarz or Woll, Bennett, Kampf & Depth – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leaf

When Toronto’s Maple Leafs’ second round series against the Florida Panthers, people were concerned about what was happening in the Maple Leaf Creas. The team may be forced to turn to Joseph Woll after a horrible injury from Anthony Stolarz in Game 1, adding conspiracy and uncertainty to tonight’s game.

Not that Woll is bad or the team is worried that he will put in a solid effort. It was just that Storas was excellent, and the way he was forced to leave was reminiscent of two playoffs, when Sam Bennett also forced then-Ruch forward Matthew Knies to make the playoffs with a questionable tackle.

Here are three key storylines entering the second scene:

Project 1: Status of Stolarz’s Game 2 are still unclear

Goalkeeper Stolarz is still questionable after suffering an upper body injury in a crease collision with Bennett in Game 1. Stolarz was hospitalized on Monday but was discharged earlier on Tuesday and is now recovering from his home. While this is a relief, there are signs that possible concussion protocols are involved, complicating any quick rewards.

“I don’t know yet. I might find out today,” head coach Craig Berube said Tuesday without clear.

If Stolarz cannot go, Woll is expected to start. This will be his first start since April 17. Toronto also has Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby as backup options, but that is not the goalkeeper program to enter the critical playoff series.

Related: Maple Leafs beat Black Panthers in the top six

Making things worse, no additional discipline passed to Bennett. Given his long-term reputation for crossing the line, the show seems to have nothing.

After the first game, Bennett commented on the incident, calling Stralds a “good friend” and claiming he was not aware of the connection being made. His words were sincere but convenient. “I’m using my strength and trying to score,” he noted.

Just like Bennett himself, it’s that kind of walking quote. Known for his legitimacy for the playoffs, he asked a questionable question: For those who win with (almost) all expenses, is it the price he is willing to pay to knock a friend out of the roster?

Intent often loses progress in playoff hockey, and Bennett successfully operates his career in the gray area. The team’s response should be fun.

Item 3: The New Era of Toronto

The Maple Leafs played the playoffs for the first time on paper and on ice in the playoffs. The 14-capable NHL forward is competing for 12 positions, and head coach Craig Berube has a legitimate decision.

A perfect case study is David Kämpf. The stable defensive center has long been known for killing and closing characters, and he found himself a healthy scratch. Not because of the poor game, but because there is no place. Max Domi thrives. The blade is appearing. Max Pacioretty pushes Nicholas Robertson to the news box.

Related: Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube did 4 things in his first year

This internal game is a hallmark of the playoff contender. Kämpf’s absence is not a prosecution, which proves that Toronto eventually has the “next person” option, but they did not remove the criteria. In the playoffs, depth becomes a tool of survival, not a luxury. With so many high-end talents, Maple Leaf is better at preventing injuries, fatigue and showdown challenges than ever before.

What’s next for maple leaves?

The second game is tonight, and the big problem focuses on Toronto’s goalkeeper situation. Could it be Wall’s website? Can maple leaves continue to roll four lines? If confirmed, how much tone will Straldz’s absence shape this series? Can the fourth line be returned from the performance of IFFY and become a differentiated person again?

To be sure, Toronto will need contributions from every corner of the lineup to expand its series of clues. The depth is there. There is the faith. But in a game with an experienced Panthers, the wrong margins are thin.

Tonight may be Scotiabank Arena’s Maple Leaf Manifesto game.