Leafs Announce Starting Goalies for Next Two Games Raising Doubts About No. 1 Starter
The Toronto Maple Leafs have revealed who is in between the pipes for the next couple of games, and it's a decision that leaves some to question who is the #1.
With a must-win game against the Utah Hockey Club as the Maple Leafs try to end their three-game losing streak. It's been a tough road trip for the Maple Leafs and have looked less like the Atlantic Division leaders of old, and a team struggling to find their footing at times.
A lot of it has been to some shaky goaltending, and while they've tried to hold their own, they've let in 12 goals over their last two games, and while you might be able to chalk it up to the thin Denver air; it's a bad sign heading into the playoffs.
So what's even more intriguing is that Toronto has seemingly backtracked a bit on their initial plans, and are starting Joseph Woll against Utah as opposed to Anthony Stolarz; even though Woll had a rough outing against Colorado.
Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz? Decisions, Decisions
With Stolarz in a crucial game against his former team and Atlantic rival Florida, it may be the case of putting in the "better" goaltender in a tougher game.
But the last time around wasn't so kind to Stolarz, and if he gets rattled at any point against Florida, it looks bad on Berube especially if Woll comes out with a solid game against Utah.
This season even with the bumps in the road has been a good one for the Maple Leafs goaltenders.
Woll has shined in his first real true test as an NHL goaltender although he's struggled at points. In 33 games, he has a 21-12-0 record along with a 2.78 GAA and a .905 SV% but over his last five games has given up 15 goals.
Stolarz, who signed a two-year deal with Toronto this summer, has been as advertised since coming aboard. Though he dealt with some pretty bad injury issues that kept him out for over a month, he's been stellar.
In 24 games, he's posted a 13-6-3 record with a 2.33 GAA and .921 SV% while also giving up 15 goals over his last five.
If Woll makes a statement game against Utah and lets in only one or two goals (or heck, even shut them out), then he should garner a second look against Florida.
It's time for the Maple Leafs to find out who is going to lead them into the playoffs. They better start somewhere, and better start soon.
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