Why the Maple Leafs Chose Joseph Woll as Tonight's Starting Goalie Against the St. Louis Blues

PUBLICATION

Chris Gerics
October 24, 2024 (12:08)

SHARE THIS STORY

Craig Berube decided to peg Joseph Woll as tonight's starter as he makes his season debut against the St. Louis Blues. Is Woll being rushed back too soon?

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a rough outing last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, being dominated from start to finish and feeling a step behind the opposition all night. They look to bounce back from that on Thursday when they take on head coach Craig Berube's old team the St. Louis Blues.

So with Joseph Woll set to return and make his season debut tonight, it's a wonder why Toronto would go with Woll so soon especially when Anthony Stolarz is currently doing a remarkable job in his absence.

According to NHL analyst Nick Kypreos on the Real Kyper & Bourne Podcast, Woll starting on Thursday would be a mistake and Stolarz should be starting instead:

"If Joseph Woll is ready to back up, put him on the bench. I can't come off that game last night and put Joseph Woll in tonight or Saturday night. Stolarz. You know when I put him in? After Boston. Winnipeg; they go to Winnipeg on Monday."

Perplexed, Kypreos' co-host Justin Bourne asked why Woll would be starting so late if he's ready now given he needs NHL game reps. Kypreos retorted:

"I had Steve Valiquette say my goalie is the best goalie in the league right now. I got a guy feeling really good, who's rested, we need two points, I'm not giving two points away."

While it's understandable why Toronto would want Woll to get the start, it would be best served if he played while Toronto is on a wave of momentum instead of giving him the pressure to not only win two points but impress his head coach into earning his #1 starter spot back from Anthony Stolarz. If Woll can come out and dominate St. Louis and look like the Woll the Maple Leafs saw in the playoffs last season, then Toronto may have the best 1-2 goaltending duo in the league.

So far in his career, Woll has been solid with a 21-13-1 record with a 2.76 GAA and .912 SV% and was the key factor in Toronto lasting seven games last season against the Boston Bruins. Dealing with a nagging groin injury since the preseason, Woll will look to make an impact tonight and set Toronto on the right course as they head into a very tough schedule with games against the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and Seattle Kraken in their future.

Head coach Craig Berube is excited about being able to face his old team, and maybe has a bit of extra motivation to win, but his decision to start Woll may end up costing him and leave him feeling the blues.

POLL
Is Toronto making a mistake by starting Joseph Woll tonight against the St. Louis Blues?
▢ Yes, he needs more time!
▢ No, he needs to start playing!

MUST READ

Oct 16, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube speaks to his players after calling a time out in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

1 hour ago | By Chris Gerics

Craig Berube Changes the Mindset of the Toronto Maple Leafs with Locker-room Message: The Keefe Era is Over

Oct 21, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Geekie (14) knocks Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) off his skates during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

2 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

John Tavares' Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs at Risk: He Is Quickly Losing His Spot in the Lineup

Nov 2, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis looks on in the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

3 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Martin St-Louis May Step Down as Canadiens Head Coach According to NHL Analyst

Sep 22, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll (60) warms up before playing the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

4 hours ago | By Julien Trekker

Joseph Woll Activated from Injury Reserve: What It Means for the Team and What Fans Can Expect Next

Feb 12, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) celebrates his goal in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

5 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Nazem Kadri Finally Reveals What Really Happened with the Toronto Maple Leafs Management Before His Trade

Oct 16, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) speaks with forward Auston Matthews in the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

19 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Chris Tanev Draws Comparisons to Respected Former Maple Leafs Defenseman

Oct 10, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA; Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi (50) controls the puck against New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

21 hours ago | By Chris Gerics

Update on Sean Durzi's Injury Should Kickstart Utah HC's Trade Talks With the Toronto Maple Leafs

Feb 27, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Arizona Coyotes at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

22 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente