NHL Analyst Raises Alarms Over Stolarz Injury: 'More Serious Than a Concussion'
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Concerns are being raised about just how serious the injury to Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz really is.
Stolarz has not played for the Toronto Maple Leafs since Game 1 of the second-round playoff matchup against the Florida Panthers after exiting following a collision with Florida's Sam Bennett.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube has indicated that Stolarz is unlikely to travel with the team to Florida for Game 6, making it evident whatever is keeping Stolarz out is serious enough to risk not having him in net for a must-win Game to stay in the playoffs.
On TSN 1050's 'First Up' radio show, Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk provided some insight on what could be the issue with Stolarz, and why it may be a more serious issue than what is known.
The problem is guys like, you know, speaking of concussion experts and people that spend a lot more time thinking about these issues than we do, the one thing they've underlined to me is that vomiting on the bench after a head hit, or potentially two head hits, because he took that shot off the head, as well as the Sam Bennett forearm.
That's not normal concussion symptoms, and that was the concern from the concussion experts I spoke to is that it's not normal to be vomiting from a concussion.
It could mean it was a more serious thing, that we don't know what it is.
These guys, these doctors that I spoke to, have not examined the man, but they do know the history of concussion symptoms, and they were very concerned that the vomiting thing could indicate something more serious than a concussion.
And obviously, a concussion is very serious, so who knows where Anthony Stolarz is at. You have to hope for the best for him as a human being first
That's not normal concussion symptoms, and that was the concern from the concussion experts I spoke to is that it's not normal to be vomiting from a concussion.
It could mean it was a more serious thing, that we don't know what it is.
These guys, these doctors that I spoke to, have not examined the man, but they do know the history of concussion symptoms, and they were very concerned that the vomiting thing could indicate something more serious than a concussion.
And obviously, a concussion is very serious, so who knows where Anthony Stolarz is at. You have to hope for the best for him as a human being first
Potential Concussion May Derail Chances Of Anthony Stolarz Return
If Anthony Stolarz is really dealing with a serious concussion-related issue, it won't be a prognosis that would have Stolarz back quickly, and not a scenario they can rush him back into action.
Usually, in the case of concussions, a week is the typical timeline to keep a player from active gameplay. Stolarz last left exactly a week before Game 5, meaning his return, if all goes well, will be relatively soon.
Although Leafs fans would want to see Stolarz back, giving Toronto some much stronger certainty in net after three straight losses without him, the fact of the matter remains seen that if Stolarz can't play yet for whatever reason, they can't rush back a concussed player right away, it won't go well.
If Stolarz is not ready, Toronto will have to rely most likely on Joseph Woll, with Matt Murray in relief, as even progressing to the next round may not clarify the Leafs' outlook this playoffs in net.
For the Leafs, they will need to take on the goaltender who gives them the best chance to win, whoever that is with what they have.
Even coming off a five goal outing, Joseph Woll is the most logical player to go to in the case if Anthony Stolarz isn't ready just yet.
The best hope Leafs fans can have is a win in Game 6 and from there seeing if in a Game 7 if Stolarz is able to be back by then, which should be doable for a return from a concussion.
Until then, the Toronto Maple Leafs as a team are all gonna need to be at their best, not just whoever is in net, but coming prepared to understand a win is absolutely necessary any way possible.
| POLL | ||
MAI 16 | 607 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Raises Alarms Over Stolarz Injury: 'More Serious Than a Concussion' Will Anthony Stolarz return for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 215 | 35.4 % |
| No | 153 | 25.2 % |
| Yes, but not vs Florida | 239 | 39.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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