Projected Starting Goalie Revealed for Maple Leafs Ahead of Divisional Battle in Tampa
The Maple Leafs had a tough choice to make between Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz against Tampa Bay, but they appear to have made their decision.
Prior to his start against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, Anthony Stolarz was among the top goaltenders in the National Hockey League, based purely on the numbers. Unfortunately, after allowing 4 goals on 23 shots against, Stolarz has seen his save percentage dip to from .927 down to a .921 SV%.
Earlier this week, a report from NHL Insider Nick Kypreos suggested that the Leafs are very happy with the goaltending they're getting from their current tandem, which could result in the Original Six franchise moving on from one of their depth goaltenders. Even with Stolarz's latest loss, that hasn't changed.
While it wasn't Stolarz's finest outing, he wasn't entirely to blame either, as his team did hang him out to dry on occasion as well. However, when you're the last line of defense, your team relies on you to make a save. On Wednesday, Stolarz just wasn't able to do that.
For Woll, the 2024-25 season has been a whirlwind. After beginning the 2024-25 season on injured reserve, and then losing his starting role to the aforementioned Stolarz, he appears to be mounting one heck of a comeback, especially after his wins over Vegas and Utah over the past week, which secured him 3rd star of the week honours as a standout across the entire NHL.
As far as tonight's game in Tampa Bay goes, the Leafs are opting to give Stolarz the night off to reset, as he was the only goaltender on the ice for the Leafs at the morning skate. Woll's absence from the morning skate indicates that he is the Leafs' starter against the Lightning.
Woll's 3-0 shutout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights last week was undoubtedly his best showing of the season to date, and a win tonight in Tampa would mark 4-straight wins for the 26-year-old, dating back to November 9th.
With a chance to make it 5 straight wins tonight, Woll will need to bring his A-game to beat the Lightning on their home turf. His 5-2-0 record, .922 SV% and 2.00 GAA are all evidence that the former 3rd round pick is playing at the top of his game right now.
| POLL | ||
30 NOVEMBRE | 2017 ANSWERS Projected Starting Goalie Revealed for Maple Leafs Ahead of Divisional Battle in Tampa Is Joseph Woll ready to take over as the number one goalie in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 827 | 41 % |
| Not quite yet | 1190 | 59 % |
| List of polls | ||
