Maple Leafs Facing Major Goalie Decision for Game 4 Against the Senators
NHL Analyst Nick Kypreos had a bit of a surprising take on his latest podcast, believing Toronto may start Joseph Woll to give him a chance to get reps.
It's been fairly easy this first round for the Maple Leafs, especially due to the performance of Anthony Stolarz, as the goaltender has been nothing short of spectacular in his three starts so far. Three straight wins, a goals-against average under 2.00, and looking like he's the one to lead them to the promised land.
But what of Joseph Woll? The Leafs' homegrown goalie hasn't played yet this series and only has a handful of games over the past few weeks. He was crucial in helping Toronto get to seven games against Boston last season, and may be a factor in this postseason if Stolarz gets into trouble.
He hasn't played a lot though, so rust is very much a possibility. So what would be the harm in starting Woll in Game 4 for the Maple Leafs? Not a lot according to NHL Analyst Nick Kypreos.
Joseph Woll Needs A Start With Toronto Sitting Comfortably
Speaking on the latest episode of the Real Kyper and Bourne podcast, Kypreos stunned his co-hosts by mentioning that he thinks Joseph Woll should start the potential final game of the series:
Maybe one adjustment Saturday night: Joseph Woll.
His co-host, Bourne, was stunned by the possibility exclaiming «What?! No Way!»
Kypreos explained a bit further:
It's just a thought, up 3-0, you wanna keep Joseph Woll in the mix, Stolarz, you wanna protect him a bit. Is he 100%, has he tweaked anything? We don't know.
I am suggesting that if you wanna ride this guy for the next month and a half, two months; it's worth a shot.
If you put Woll in and he's fantastic and they close out in 4 games, it's a good feeling for everyone knowing they have two good goalies. If anything happens, at least they have Woll there.
It's not a gimme, but up 3-0 and wanna keep him in the mix, it's worth a shot.
I am suggesting that if you wanna ride this guy for the next month and a half, two months; it's worth a shot.
If you put Woll in and he's fantastic and they close out in 4 games, it's a good feeling for everyone knowing they have two good goalies. If anything happens, at least they have Woll there.
It's not a gimme, but up 3-0 and wanna keep him in the mix, it's worth a shot.
He played the last game of the season, a 4-3 OT win against the Red Wings, and did have a few more starts at the end of the year, but it was more to give Anthony Stolarz rest, not for him being on top of his game.
The Leafs relied heavily on Woll while Stolarz was injured, and while he was great in that time, there has been some struggles for the young goaltender.
This season, Woll has a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 GAA and .909 SV% and while those numbers aren't terrible whatsoever, but it's more the teams that he played and lost against that gives fans some pause.
Losses to Nashville, San Jose, and a rough outing against the Red Wings did not give too much hope for the postseason, and the Leafs decided Stolarz was the right option (and it's worked out in spades).
But it wouldn't be the worst decision in the world, frankly. Woll needs to get into the game at some point, and what better time than when you can afford to lose a game.
Though if they do, don't expect Woll to appear unless in an emergency situation.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 26 | 347 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Facing Major Goalie Decision for Game 4 Against the Senators Who should the Maple Leafs start in Game 4? | ||
| Anthony Stolarz | 311 | 89.6 % |
| Joseph Woll | 36 | 10.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
