When Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett spoke on Tuesday morning, he considered his collision with Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz a bump.

During the second period of Game 1, Bennett drove to the net with his forearm colliding with Stolarz's head. The Maple Leafs goaltender remained in the game for a few minutes before throwing up on the bench and going to Toronto's dressing room.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed on Tuesday that Stolarz was sent to hospital to be evaluated following the collision. According to Johnston, the netminder was taken out of Scotiabank Arena on Monday night on a stretcher.

As for whether the goaltender will be available for Game 2, Berube said, "We'll see."

Bennett added during his availability that there was "no intent" to injure Stolarz.

"Stolie is a great friend of mine," the Florida forward added, via TSN's Chris Johnston, "but when I hear that he went to the hospital, of course I feel bad."

Report: Panthers' Bennett Not Expected To Face Supplemental Discipline For Hit On Maple Leafs' Stolarz It doesn't appear as though Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett will receive any supplemental discipline for his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ixKduUvIsc">hit on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz</a>.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice also gave his opinion on the collision, saying he doesn't believe Bennett crossed the line.

"Most of this, for me, is tempered by the fact that Stolie is one of our guys. We love that guy," Maurice told reporters, including Johnston. "If I had thought that Sam had crossed the line or an edge, I'd probably be more careful with my words. I just didn't think it happened."

Report: Maple Leafs' Anthony Stolarz Being Evaluated In Hospital After Leaving Game 1 Vs. Panthers The bad news regarding Anthony Stolarz continues.

This is the second straight series between Toronto and Florida in which Bennett has injured a Maple Leafs player. During their second-round series in 2023, Bennett threw Matthew Knies to the ice, concussing the forward.

Bennett came out of that unscathed with the NHL not disciplining him. It appears the same will happen regarding his collision with Stolarz.

"From my point of view," Bennett said, "I'm just taking a puck to the net."

The 28-year-old added that he reached out to Stolarz after the game and received a response from the goaltender.

The Maple Leafs defeated the Panthers 5-4 on Monday night. Game 2 will be played on Wednesday evening in Toronto.

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