Toronto Maple Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube Forced to Make Tough Call Ahead of St. Louis Matchup

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Chris Gerics
November 2, 2024 (5:38)

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Joseph Woll is filled with nervous excitement as he looks forward to playing in front of his family where he grew up, but Craig Berube's indecision could ruin it.

Joseph Woll's season has been a whirlwind, to say the least. From starting the season on the injured reserve to impressing against Seattle, Woll's season is a bit turbulent. With Toronto coming into St. Louis, Woll will get to play in his hometown for the first time in his career. Filled with nervous excitement, his childlike nervousness to play in front of his family shows how much this means to him.

However, it may not be all rainbows and butterflies for Woll, as his head coach still hasn't named a starter for Saturday's game, and while Woll certainly played well enough to earn a second start, his head coach's hesitation is a pretty unfortunate situation. Berube commented on Woll's possible hometown start in his brief, stoic tone:

«We always consider those things. They're not the No. 1 most important thing It is part of the conversation.»

Building A Woll Of Security

Woll was the presumed starter in practice, but as Maple Leafs fans have learned, Craig Berube has no issues changing things up at the last possible moment. It would be sad if Woll had his family and friends in attendance and he wasn't able to play. I understand Toronto wants to win, but Woll stood on his head last game, and given the Maple Leafs had a rough time with the Blues last time, why not give Woll the start? He's motivated, and while there may be some pressure he's not afraid of that.

So far this season he's had two starts; one rough and one solid and holds a 1-1-0 record with a 2.53 GAA and .902 SV% which is pretty good for not having skated much up until a couple of weeks before his debut.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to prove to their fans that they believe in Joseph Woll, he needs to start against St. Louis. Not only because he's going to have family cheering him on, but if Toronto's faith in him is so strong, it would behoove them to play Woll and bring him back to the way he can be.