A collision between Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz in Game 1 of their second-round playoff clash left Stolarz visibly dazed and slow to get up.

This was not the only time Stolarz was hit in the head; in the first period, he took a hard shot to the mask from Panthers forward Sam Reinhart.

While the Maple Leafs were understandably upset over Bennett's hit – especially since no supplemental discipline was levied against the Panthers forward, who has ridden the line several times in his career – a more significant question arose: why did the NHL's concussion spotter not step in to remove Stolarz from the game?

Since 2016, the NHL has employed a system of concussion spotters to enhance player safety by identifying individuals who may have sustained a concussion during a game and require immediate medical evaluation. According to the protocols, spotters look for:

* Lying motionless on the ice: A player remains still on the ice or falls without attempting to break their fall.

* Motor incoordination/Balance problems: This can manifest as staggering, difficulty getting up or skating properly, loss of balance, buckling, tripping, or stumbling.

* Blank or vacant look: The player appears dazed or unfocused.

* Slow to get up: The player is slow to or react after a hit.

Maple Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz Leaves Game 1 After Taking Elbow From Panthers’ Sam Bennett The Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation took an unexpected turn in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Florida Panthers, as Anthony Stolarz was forced to leave the game midway through the second period after appearing to take an elbow to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

Regarding the puck-to-the-mask incident in the first period, spotters might be excused for not identifying a concussion risk. However, when Stolarz was hit by Bennett, he took a long time to get up and exhibited three of the four listed symptoms.

During the second intermission, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman pointed out that it was Toronto who ultimately removed Stolarz from the game. He noted that had concussion spotters pulled Stolarz, backup Joseph Woll would have been permitted a warmup, which he did not have.

A Tough Situation For Sure’: Joseph Woll Secures Maple Leafs’ First 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff Win After Anthony Stolarz Injury It was not how Joseph Woll wanted to make his 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

According to the protocol, the ultimate responsibility lies with the franchise to remove their players from the game and the spotters can assist in that situation. Good luck finding a team eager to remove their goaltender in the playoffs unless they absolutely have to. With goaltenders, removing them from the game out of precaution can be considered a controversial move, especially in a playoff game where the stakes are high. But with everything known about concussions in 2025, this incident represents a significant oversight, suggesting the concussion protocols need to be reviewed. 

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