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Maple Leafs react to Joseph Woll's eye-popping performance in gutsy win: 'Got the belt for a reason'
Photo credit: Eric Bolte Imagn Images
A standout performance from Joseph Woll was celebrated by his Maple Leafs teammates and his coach following a thrilling OT win in Columbus.
Kicking off their five-game road trip in Columbus, the Maple Leafs welcomed back a trio of forwards in Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy.
While their returns provided a much-needed boost to the forward group, the Leafs had to lean on goaltender Joseph Woll to make some key saves until they were able to find their legs and begin to take over the game.
Cowan, Matthews praise Woll's calmness
Following their overtime win, rookie Easton Cowan, who tied the game late, was asked about the play of Woll since he returned.
"He's been great. He was a rock out there tonight. Got the belt for a reason. Super happy we have him -- made a lot of great saves, kept us in the game."
Matthews, who has spent the past five seasons seeing Woll develop and become their starting goaltender, noted that the 27-year-old's calmness and poise never ceases.
"I think he's always poised and confident in the net no matter what's going on and no matter what happens. He's very focused."
Woll bounces back from 'mercy pull' on Saturday
On Saturday, the Leafs put forth an atrocious performance, leading to head coach Craig Berube pulling Woll in an effort to spark his team. Woll wasn't happy about the decision, according to Berube, but the Leafs' bench boss liked the fire he displayed.
There was no need for a 'mercy pull' on Wednesday, however, as the former third-round pick gave the Leafs the opportunity to squeeze out an overtime win -- something Berube noted in his post-game media availability.
"His battle was really good in the net. He fought through traffic and was seeing it really well tonight. He looks like he is on his toes and is seeing the play really well. He is definitely sharp right now. He's seeing the puck and is making some really good saves."
Woll's return could not have come at a better time for the Leafs, with Anthony Stolarz still not skating after suffering an injury against the Boston Bruins on November 11th.
Since returning, Woll is 2-2-1 with a 2.74 GAA and .921 save percentage and with no timeline for Stolarz's return, he will be leaned on heavily by the Leafs, particularly during this five-game road trip as they try to climb out of the Atlantic Division basement.
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