Joseph Woll, the 26-year-old goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is demonstrating why he should be the first choice for the team’s crease this playoff season. His consistent high-level performances, particularly his recent 38-save feat during a 2-1 triumph over the Colorado Avalanche, have placed him in the spotlight.
Woll’s tenacity and dedication to the game have not gone unnoticed, particularly by the team’s captain, Auston Matthews. Matthews commended Woll’s unchanging mentality and focus, regardless of the game’s status or his individual performance.
Woll’s resilience has been tested in the past. He was thrown into the fray during the 2023 playoffs’ second round against the Florida Panthers, with the Leafs trailing 3-0. Despite the pressure, Woll kept the Leafs competitive in Game 4, although they were later ousted in overtime in Game 5.
The St. Louis-born goalie found himself in a similar situation against the Boston Bruins in the previous spring’s opening round. With the Leafs down 3-1 in the series, Woll stepped in and delivered two consecutive wins before a back injury sidelined him at the end of Game 6. Ilya Samsonov was brought in for the decisive final match, which the Leafs unfortunately lost in overtime.
Since then, Woll has been sharing duties with Anthony Stolarz, an acquisition made during the off-season. Yet, his recent performances, which saw him blocking an impressive 92 out of 98 shots, have sparked conversations about his potential to be the go-to goalie for the first game of the upcoming playoffs.
Woll, however, remains modest and focused, acknowledging the benefits of frequent play and the importance of being ready when called upon. He showcased his sharpness during the recent game against Colorado, making several crucial saves, including a spectacular glove stop against Brock Nelson.
Teammate Steven Lorentz lauded Woll’s resilience, highlighting the goalie’s ability to cover for the team’s occasional lapses. Lorentz believes that having a dependable goalie like Woll allows the team to play more aggressively, which can ultimately lead to more scoring opportunities.
The Leafs’ head coach, Craig Berube, has also expressed his satisfaction with Woll’s performances, although he remains noncommittal about his choice for the playoffs.
Off the ice, the Leafs had an unusual stroke of luck in the third period of the game against Colorado, when an attempted clear by Simon Benoit hit referee Kelly Sutherland, creating an unexpected rush that ended with Lorentz scoring a goal against Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood.
Meanwhile, Charlie Coyle, who recently joined the Colorado Avalanche following a trade with the Boston Bruins, praised the team’s commitment and caliber, which he believes are key to their success.
As the playoff season approaches, the Leafs, their fans, and indeed the wider NHL community will be keenly watching how things unfold, particularly regarding the team’s goalkeeping decisions. Woll’s recent performances, resilience, and focus certainly make him a strong contender for the top spot.