"My worst nightmare just came true": Leafs fans dreadful after Anthony Stolarz's lower-body injury forces game exit

Leafs fans were sent into hysterics on Thursday after goalie Anthony Stolarz was forced to exit the game against the Anaheim Ducks due to a lower-body injury.

Stolarz left at the start of the second period, unable to continue protecting the Leafs' net.

Stolarz had been playing well for Toronto, entering the game with a 2.31 GAA and .928 SV%

As soon as Anthony Stolarz left the ice, social media erupted with panicked Leafs fans. One fan wrote:

"My worst nightmare just came true,"

Another fan wrote:

"Probably tweaked something, it happens. Good part about having 3 competent goalies in the Org is there is no reason to panic."

Here are some fan reactions:

"They should’ve stuck with the rotation. He was overworked in Jersey making him more susceptible, you’d imagine." one fan wrote.

"FML are you kidding me, he’s been SENSATIONAL for us we can’t lose Stolie, WHY does this always happen to Leafs goalies, when things are going good it’s ALWAYS something smh get well soon Stolie hope it’s minor" another fan wrote.

"It isn’t a Leafs game if someone isn’t getting hurt. WTF are the players doing in the gym???" a user commented.

"Only reason why this team is winning because of their goalies. they make me sick to watch them lately !!!!" another user wrote.

"Stolarz made 7 saves on 8 shots and Joseph Woll came in relief stopped 19 out of 20 shots. The Maple Leafs went on to secure 3-2 win against the Ducks. Max Pacioretty (two goals) and William Nylander scored for the Leafs. Jackson LaCombe and Frank Vatrano scored for the Ducks. Lukas Dostal made 30 saves in the loss."

Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz's injury update after early exit

Anthony Stolarz’s injury occurred during the first period when Stolarz stretched to make a save on Buffalo's first goal scored by Frank Vatrano. After the game, the Maple Leafs provided an update stating that Stolarz's injury is not believed to be major or long-term.

Sports injury expert, Dr. Harjas Grewal, speculated that Stolarz likely sustained either a groin strain or MCL sprain on the play. “Stolarz likely has a groin strain or MCL injury. I used to assume most of these are groin strains but have seen more reports of MCL injuries for goalies from plays like this. Time off depends on grade but both of these injuries are often week-to-week timelines for goalies.”

During the game NHL insider Frank Seravalli had reported on Anthony Stolarz's injury status:

"Not believes to be incredibly significant"

Maple Leafs are set to face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena. With Anthony Stolarz expected to be out with his lower-body injury injury, Joseph Woll is likely to start with net with either of the two Toronto Marlies goalies being his backup.