{"id":519943,"date":"2026-03-24T09:30:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T09:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/519943\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T09:30:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T09:30:22","slug":"maple-leafs-goalie-adheres-to-auston-matthews-advice-after-puck-accident-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/519943\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs goalie adheres to Auston Matthews\u2019 advice after puck accident"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> avoided a major setback after goaltender Anthony Stolarz recovered from a frightening pregame incident. The veteran took a puck to the throat during warmups before Saturday\u2019s NHL<\/a> game against the Ottawa Senators, forcing him out of the lineup.<\/p>\n

While the moment raised concern, Stolarz has since returned to practice and is expected to be available for upcoming games.<\/p>\n

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Speaking during a recent media appearance, Stolarz addressed the incident calmly and shared insight into the play. He explained that shots like that are part of a goalie\u2019s reality.<\/p>\n

MORE: Maple Leafs make \u2019emergency\u2019 goalie move amid Anthony Stolarz puck accident<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no. I told him it happens,\u201d Stolarz said, referring to teammate William Nylander, whose shot caused the injury. He added that Nylander consistently targets the same area, but this attempt rose unexpectedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a hundred and sixty games I\u2019ve had Willie through the last two years, and watching him every game, he, he always goes in the same spot, and he always shoots that, that glove area, and this one just kinda \u2013 it was just a riser.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Stolarz described the situation as routine risk in his position. He made it clear there was no blame, calling it \u201ca one-off\u201d and something goalies must accept.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s something that happens,\u201d Stolarz said. \u201cPucks bounce, pucks, you know, continue to fly up. So, you know, yeah, he\u2019s good. It\u2019s a one-off and, you know, I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll happen again whether it\u2019s, you know, him or someone else. So like I said, it\u2019s an occupational hazard being a goalie and, just something you start to deal with next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

MORE: NHL analyst hands truth to Maple Leafs coach for calling out Joseph Woll<\/a><\/p>\n

Stolarz also revealed advice from team captain Auston Matthews<\/a> following the incident. Stolarz said Matthews told him, \u201cNext time, just keep your chin tucked.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The goalie acknowledged the tip and added, \u201cI\u2019ll keep that in mind for next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Despite the scare, Stolarz\u2019s return brings stability to a Maple Leafs squad battling inconsistency. Toronto remains outside the playoff picture and needs strong performances down the stretch. With Stolarz back in the mix, the team regains depth in goal.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n

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