LAS VEGAS — The Toronto Maple Leafs have had stable goaltending this season. But for the first time this season, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube had to pull one of his netminders due to performance.
Woll allowed three goals on seven shots in Toronto’s 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. He was pulled in favor of Anthony Stolarz, who finished the remainder of the game.
“Just a little wake-up call to the team,” Berube said after the game. However, he later went into how Woll handled the goals.
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“If you asked him, he probably wants the first two goals back,” Berube said. The (Jake) Eichel shot’s a pretty good shot. It’s a ripper top shelf. So, I don’t know what he can do on that one.”
Woll fell ill during the club’s previous road trip through Chicago, Boston, New York, and Pittsburgh, and he has started in just two games since recovering. Before his most recent outing, he allowed five goals on 31 shots in Toronto’s 6-5 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Is there cause for concern over Woll’s performance?
It’s certainly possible. With Toronto playing down the stretch here, they’d like their players to be firing on all cylinders ahead of the playoffs.
Woll has played a career-high 33 games this season and is getting tested on his ability to handle an increased workload. Last season, the goalie’s numbers tailed off in March and April. That led to Ilya Samsonov overtaking Woll for the starter’s job for Game 1 of the 2024 NHL playoffs.
Last season, Joseph Woll struggled in March and April and it led to Ilya Samsonov starting in the 2024 playoffs. See the image below.
It’s only been two games, but the trajectory is eerily similar. pic.twitter.com/gow8iSd980
— David Alter (@dalter) March 6, 2025
Leafs didn’t play well in front of Woll
The Leafs have not played their best hockey in front of Woll, and their game against the Golden Knights was an example of that.
“It’s not Joe’s fault,” Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner insisted. “It’s a five-man game out there at all times and we didn’t help him out enough out there. That’s how it goes.”
Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly echoed those sentiments.
“It happens. So, you know, as his teammates, we have to do a good job of supporting him,” Rielly said. We have to play better. You know, it’s not him. I mean, it’s never one guy, which is the great thing about team sports. But moving forward it’s on us to rally and play better for him.”
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