Auston Matthews Delivers Update on Leafs Goalie Anthony Stolarz After Injury Scare

Game 1 was a pretty rough game for the Maple Leafs, though they were able to come out with a 5-4 win and the 1-0 lead in the second round series against the Panthers.

Not only did they have a potential Jake McCabe scare, but Sam Bennett's elbow to Anthony Stolarz's head not only knocked him out of the game, but sent him to hospital and may have taken him out for a bit.

Although it looked nasty at first, Stolarz was apparently doing much better the day after, and with questions surrounding his health going forward, it's at least a positive.

For captain Auston Matthews, he's seen the improvement first hand, and admitted the team is happy to see him back, but trying to give him a chance to get healthy:

It's a huge update all things considered, and it's great to know that the Maple Leafs team is doing their best to make sure Stolarz is comfortable without being overbearing.

The statement echoes Brandon Carlo's assessment the day after the injury, where the goaltender was seen at breakfast, having chats and seemingly in a much better mood both physically and mentally.

While we might not see Stolarz back soon, every day is an improvement. If Joseph Woll and Matt Murray can hold down the fort for the rest of the series and the Leafs can sneak away with a win; Stolarz should be good to go for the Conference Finals.

Toronto is going to need him to be at his best if they make it there, as the Washington Capitals or Carolina Hurricanes await them; not an easy feat.

Stolarz has been great in his first postseason as a starter. He's posted a 4-2-0 record with a 2.19 GAA and .901 SV%; he's held it down when it matters and has navigated some pretty big speed bumps.

Matthews has been solid as well this postseason, with eight points in eight games, and being a defensive monster overall with 13 blocks and 17 hits already.

But it's his update on Stolarz that gives people the most hope, and perhaps with things going as well as they are, we'll get to see him back between the pipes with the Conference Finals the next series for him to navigate.