Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
After a dangerous incident involving Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz, Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin sounds off on NHL officials for not stopping play immediately.
The Toronto Maple Leafs head into Saturday’s clash against the Seattle Kraken riding a 2-game winning streak, beating the Nashville Predators in blowout fashion earlier this week before edging out the New York Rangers in overtime on Thursday.
Thursday’s win did not come without controversy, however, as during the game, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz had his mask pop off during play, with referees refusing to blow the whistles to stop play, forcing Stolarz to make a save without protection on his head.
His teammates were scared for his health and rightfully upset with how the situation was handled, Matthew Knies among them.
“I was a little scared, to be honest … I thought it was supposed to be blown, but I don’t know. That was a shocker for sure for everyone, I think.”
Rangers Goalie Igor Shesterkin Also Unhappy With Officials
Knies wasn’t the only player who spoke out about the incident publicly. Opposing goalie Igor Shesterkin also spoke his mind, sharing his displeasure for the officials allowing play to continue after a fellow goaltender lost his mask, opposition or not.
“They should (blow) a whistle right away because it’s a very dangerous play.”
The rule, as it’s written, is that when a goaltender loses his mask, the play is to be stopped to preserve the safety of the player. The fact that the officials allowed for a continuation of play for as long as they did was absolutely embarrassing and way out of line.
The player who shot the puck towards Stolarz after the mask came off, J.T. Miller, also spoke out, stating that had he seen Stolarz’s mask come off, he would not have shot the puck.
Stolarz appreciated Miller’s support and accepted his apology after the game.
Naturally, the league has not held the officials accountable, but what else should we expect?
Now, the Leafs look to put this mess behind them and move on to tonight’s game against the Kraken, looking to extend their win streak to 3 games. Stolarz is expected to get the nod.
Previously on Maple Leafs Daily