Leafs confirm Joseph Woll's status for Tuesday's game against Bedard-less Blackhawks
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Joseph Woll's status for Joe Bowen's tribute game against the Chicago Blackhawks was confirmed on Tuesday morning by Leafs head coach Craig Berube.
After leaving his December 4th start against the Hurricanes with a lower-body injury, Joseph Woll is officially back for the Leafs.
Woll's Injury Gives Hildeby Huge Opportunity
With Woll going down, and Anthony Stolarz still sidelined with an upper-body injury, 24-year-old Dennis Hildeby was thrust into the starter's role for the Leafs, and filled in amicably as Woll recovered.
The injuries to Woll and Stolarz may have also put the team in a complex situation heading into next season, given that Hildeby will no longer be waivers exempt, but that is a conversation for the off-season.
Berube Confirms Woll Returns Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, the Leafs held an optional morning skate where Craig Berube confirmed that Woll would return to the crease against the Blackhawks, giving Hildeby a needed and well-deserved rest.
The team has generally played very well in front of Woll, so there is hope that they can get back into the win column on Tuesday, especially with the Blackhawks going into battle without two of their top young stars in Connor Bedard and Artyom Levshunov.
In returning, Woll will look to build on his .923 save percentage that he posted in the seven games prior to his injury.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 669 ANSWERS Leafs confirm Joseph Woll's status for Tuesday's game against Bedard-less Blackhawks Is Woll returning too soon? | ||
| No, they said a week and it's been longer | 356 | 53.2 % |
| Based on his history, yes, but Hildeby needs rest | 313 | 46.8 % |
| List of polls | ||