A Tale of Two Goalies: Woll Gets the Crease, But Stolarz Steals the Headlines in Colorado
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro - Imagn Images
While Joseph Woll gets the start tonight for the Maple Leafs against the surging Avalanche, it was Anthony Stolarz's appearance on the ice at practice that drew the most attention in the crease.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs embarking on a 4-game road trip that starts tonight against the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche, there were some interesting things transpiring in between the pipes during their morning skate.
First off, head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Joseph Woll would be getting the start in the first set of their back-to-back, which sees them in Utah tomorrow night. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, was that Anthony Stolarz was spotted on the ice for the first time with the rest of the team.
Berube confirmed over the weekend that Stolarz would be accompanying the team on their upcoming road trip, but wasn't committing to whether or not he'd get into a game. Nevertheless, his presence with the full team at practice bodes well for a return in the very near future.
Stolarz reportedly close to a return to action
Stolarz has been sidelined since the 11th of November, and while updates had been few and far in between for the hulking netminder, it does seem that he's inching closer to a return after over 2 months on the mend. In fact, Craig Berube told reporters on Monday that he's getting "pretty close"
So while the Leafs and Stolarz figure out a possible return date, the club will be turning back to Woll tonight in what should amount to a true measuring stick game. The Avalanche walk into tonight's game with a ridiculous 33-4-7 record, while also holding a plus-80 goal differential.
Joseph Woll could be the difference in a key matchup against the Avalanche
Woll has been outstanding of late, as he's posted an 8-1-1 record over this last 10 decisions, to go along with a 2.20 GAA and a .922 SV%. He's coming off of back-to-back victories in which he's allowed 1 goal on his last 61 shots, including a 29-save shutout over Vancouver on Saturday.
Woll has been a massive part of the Leafs' current success and is playing some of his most inspired hockey in recent years. Look for him to try and fend off the mighty Avalanche, who have are spearheaded by Nathan MacKinnon's 36 goals and 78 points, both of which lead the league.
With Stolarz back at practice, Woll playing like a brick wall, and Dennis Hildeby playing great as a backup, the Leafs goaltending is finally trending upwards during a very crucial part of the season.
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