Toronto Maple Leafs Face Challenging Situation After Anthony Stolarz's Major Injury
With Anthony Stolarz out for the next few weeks, Toronto has to rely heavily on Joseph Woll but his injury history doesn't bode well for the Leafs' future.
It's an unfortunate bit of news that the Toronto Maple Leafs will be without star goaltender Anthony Stolarz for the next 4-6 weeks due to a lower body injury that needs some attention.
For now the team will need to rely on Joseph Woll, and while the young goaltender has been very solid for the team so far this season, some believe his injury history isn't a good sign for the future of the team while Stolarz is absent.
Joseph Woll's Injury History Doesn't Bode Well For Maple Leafs
It's no secret that Joseph Woll has dealt with his fair share of injuries, and if he hadn't of suffered one in the waning seconds of Game 6 last season, Toronto's playoff outlook could have been completely different.
But it wasn't just a one off injury, and Woll was dealt another case of the injury bug. He's had shoulder and ankle injuries in his career, and with him also hurt at the beginning of this season, it's a concern for the Maple Leafs.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman gave his insight into Woll's previous injuries and how Toronto might find it detrimental to their success:
So far this season, Woll has been fantastic alongside Stolarz, recording a 8-3-0 record with a 2.16 GAA and .921 SV%, showing exactly the type of potential Toronto envisioned when they drafted him.
Toronto has a lot of faith in their young goaltender as they recently re-signed him to an extension, showing a big commitment even among the various injuries.
It's understandable why Toronto might be hesitant with Woll, and while he's been healthy now, there's no telling what the future holds. But Toronto can't dwell on the what ifs, and focus on the now in order to be successful during this tough stretch.
