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NHL Under Fire for Negligence After Stolarz Displays Clear Concussion Symptoms

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:05 PM ET

Much has been said about Anthony Stolarz in the past 24 hours, and now the NHL remain under fire after the goaltender showed clear concussion symptoms on the ice.

The talk in the NHL over the past 24 hours has revolved around Sam Bennett, Anthony Stolarz and their situation in the Maple Leafs vs. Panthers showdown, with Stolarz needing to be stretchered out of the arena after the game.

While there's been criticism of Bennett for unnecessarily hitting Stolarz while he was in his crease, there's also been criticism of the NHL for the handling of the goaltender throughout the game.

The main criticism however has been the spotters of the league, who are medical professionals put in place to identify concussions, and as soon as they see any symptoms of a potential concussion, they are to alert the officials and have a player pulled.

However, despite Stolarz showing almost every sign possible of a concussion, he remained in the game for a few minutes, with plenty of reporters and fans calling out the NHL for their poor handling of the situation.

While it's highly likely that he has a concussion (yet to be confirmed), it appears that beyond that, Stolarz could potentially return at some point in this season, but simply put, this was a major mishandling from the league from the spotters to the Department of Player Safety and the officials.

With Game 2 set for Wednesday night, there's expected to be plenty of fireworks as these two teams take the ice again, and while Bennett's hit wasn't the worst one we've seen in recent times, the fact that Stolarz will likely miss the game and potentially the rest of the series may motivate the Maple Leafs to take revenge.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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