Joseph Woll was eager for the regular season to begin. There was a good chance he would start his first opening-night game when the Maple Leafs took on the Montreal Canadiens at the NHL’s largest facility, the Bell Centre. However, circumstances evolved. Just prior to the start of the regular season, Woll experienced groin tightness, which put him on injured reserve and prevented him from starting for the Leafs in their first four games.
“Whenever you sustain an injury, no matter how minor or how serious, there’s that first wave of feeling that’s a little bit of disappointment and frustration,” Woll stated. “You kind of let that happen for a while before concentrating on the things you can influence and control.”
It appears that the frustration has subsided. The 26-year-old goalie took part in his first complete practice with the Leafs on Friday, alternating between Dennis Hildeby—who was summoned up from the Marlies on an emergency basis after Woll’s injury—and Anthony Stolarz.
Woll probably won’t start for the Leafs on Saturday against the New York Rangers, but they play back-to-back games on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, against Tampa Bay and Columbus. One of those games might be Woll’s season debut. Regarding Woll’s comeback, Berube remarked, “Sooner rather than later, I would think.” “It must still be taken day by day.” Berube is cautious and hopeful at the same time. “It’s encouraging that he was with us outside. He appears to be moving in the correct path.
Stolarz has started three of the four games in Woll’s absence, and Hildeby has contributed with a 21-save victory over New Jersey. With three starts under his belt, the six-foot-six Stolarz has a.940 save % and hasn’t let up more than two goals. Throughout his career, he has never played in more than 27 games in a regular season, but if he stays healthy, he’ll probably set a new personal record.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Stolarz smiled broadly. “I’m simply attempting to maintain composure. When you’re down, I try not to get too low and you try not to get too high. All that needs to be done is make an attempt to be consistent every day.
Although the sample size is tiny, the Leafs are optimistic about the internal competition once Woll becomes available and think Stolarz can build on his solid start to the season. It is generally well. We all obviously play for the same team and aim to achieve the same thing,” Woll remarked. “Everyone is attempting to help each other in becoming the best goalie they can be.”
To assist in sharing the workload with Woll, who has been injured frequently, the Leafs signed Stolarz to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million (U.S.) per year.
Woll missed over three months of action due to a high-ankle injury sustained during the previous season. He replaced Ilya Samsonov in goal during the playoffs, and in three games against Boston, he recorded a.964 save % before missing Game 7 due to a back ailment.
Woll is now making use of those earlier encounters.
“In the past, I might have been a little concerned,” Woll remarked. “I believe I can come in and do my job when it’s time if I prepare properly.”
