Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz exited Saturday's game against the Ottawa Senators after sustaining a throat injury when a puck struck him during warmups. The team announced Stolarz underwent precautionary imaging at a hospital and was replaced by Joseph Woll, who allowed five goals in a 5-2 loss. Woll, covering for Stolarz, faced 36 shots in the defeat, marking his second consecutive heavy workload after starting Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to Carolina.

Stolarz, in his second NHL season, has an 8-9-3 record with a .894 save percentage across 22 games. His absence marks the second significant injury setback this season, following an earlier upper-body ailment that sidelined him for multiple weeks. Coach Craig Berube confirmed Stolarz was discharged from the hospital post-game and would rejoin the team en route to Toronto after Saturday's loss.

The injury compounds the Leafs' goaltending instability, with Woll's inconsistent performances raising questions about backup depth. Stolarz's absence ahead of Tuesday's matchup against Boston could further strain the team's playoff positioning, as they currently sit outside the Atlantic Division's top wild-card spots. His prior injury history and recent setback highlight the physical risks faced by NHL netminders during pregame routines.

Stolarz's next availability remains uncertain, but Berube emphasized the team will monitor his recovery closely. The Maple Leafs' medical staff will likely conduct additional tests to determine his return timeline, with Woll expected to start again unless Stolarz's clearance accelerates. The injury underscores the fragility of goaltending corps in the high-intensity NHL environment.