Anthony Stolarz Leaves Maple Leafs Game Against Capitals with Lower-Body Injury
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was forced to exit Wednesday’s game against the Washington Capitals on April 8, 2026, after sustaining a lower-body injury. The incident occurred early in the first period, adding another health setback to a challenging season for the 32-year-old starter.
Incident Details: How the Injury Occurred
The injury happened when Stolarz stretched out his left leg to stop a long-distance shot from Cole Hutson. After making the save, Stolarz immediately collapsed to the ice and removed his mask. Following a whistle from the officials, he was attended to by a trainer and required assistance from teammates to leave the ice and head to the locker room. AP News reports that Joseph Woll stepped in to replace Stolarz for the remainder of the contest.
Stolarz’s 2025-26 Season Performance
The injury comes amid a season where Stolarz has struggled to maintain consistent health. He previously missed significant time during the fall due to an upper-body injury. Despite these setbacks, his stats for the 2025-26 campaign include:
- Record: 10-10-3
- Save Percentage: .892
- Goals-Against Average (GAA): 3.29
Context Within the Toronto Maple Leafs Organization
The timing of this injury is critical as the Maple Leafs are set to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The team has relied on a rotation between Stolarz and Joseph Woll, the latter of whom holds a 15-14-7 record with a .902 save percentage and a 3.32 GAA this season.
Key Takeaways
- Injury Type: Lower-body injury sustained during a save attempt.
- Game Impact: Stolarz exited early in the first period against the Washington Capitals.
- Replacement: Joseph Woll took over in goal.
- Season Trend: This is another injury for Stolarz following an upper-body issue earlier in the year.
Player Profile: Anthony Stolarz
Born in Edison, New Jersey, Stolarz is a veteran goaltender who has played for several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Florida Panthers. He is a 2024 Stanley Cup champion, having won the title with the Panthers. Stolarz is currently under a four-year, $15 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which he signed on September 28. Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions
Who replaced Anthony Stolarz in the Capitals game?
Joseph Woll replaced Stolarz after he left the game with a lower-body injury.
What is Stolarz’s current status with the Maple Leafs?
Stolarz is currently dealing with a lower-body injury as of April 8, 2026, following a season marked by intermittent health issues, including a previous upper-body injury.
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