Craig Berube Shares Important Update on Anthony Stolarz Ahead of Critical Game 5
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have revealed Anthony Stolarz's return timeline, all but assuring Joseph Woll continues to get the starts in the second round.
With Game 5 set to take place later on Wednesday, all eyes are going to be set on the Maple Leafs as they try to take a 3-2 series lead, whilst also trying to avoid the wrath of the Panthers, who seem hellbent on getting some vengeance.
A main focus beyond the animosity is the Leafs goaltending. Anthony Stolarz has been out since Game 1 thanks to a concussion, and Joseph Woll has been good, but not the level Toronto needs him to be at.
They have only a few games left to figure it out, so with a critical fifth game ahead of them, and Woll set to guide them, where does that leave Stolarz?
According to Craig Berube, not close to a return:
Yeah, no, it'll be tough. I'm not really thinking about that yet. That's not there yet. So we'll see how everything goes and where he's at and when he gets there and where we're at as a team and our goalies.
It's not something I'm really thinking about right now.
It's not something I'm really thinking about right now.
It seems the Maple Leafs are going to continue running with Joseph Woll and it's not too shocking to see Craig Berube make the choice, but he should ponder his options.
Craig Berube's Stubbornness May Come Back To Haunt Him
While no doubt he would rather have Stolarz, he likely won't return for the series barring a miraculous turnaround, and has to rely on Woll to hold it down.
Minus Game 4, where he was basically the reason Toronto hung in the game, Woll has been shaky.
He's posted a 2-2-0 record with a brutal 3.51 GAA and .893 SV% and hasn't been the goalie of last season; the one that made sure Toronto held their own against Boston in seven games.
Craig Berube's comments earlier about Woll's performance should spark some confidence (in the goaltender at least) and he couldn't help the bad bounces in Game 3.
While you have to commend Berube's consistency, there comes a time when you need to make a change.
But it's a bit strange to see Berube stick to his guns with minimal time left. It might be giving Woll the short end of things, but Murray is a two-time Stanley Cup winner and has the playoff credentials to back it up (29-21-0, 2.18 GAA, .921 SV%).
With the team dealing with a bout of random ailments, it's up to Woll to keep things as steady as he can while the team heals up.
They had an extra day to rest, so they should be ready to fire on all cylinders.
Fans are going to be expecting the world from both Woll and the entirely of the Maple Leafs squad, especially their captain.
This year is the one where they have the best chance of winning, so they better give it their all.
A lot of that will come down to Joseph Woll's performance however, and if he can withstand the pressure the Panthers will bring, and showing some of his past brilliance, then Toronto is in a great spot.
But if he doesn't, and the team heads back to Florida with their backs against the wall?
Whoever starts might not really matter in the end, with Stolarz not getting his shot at redemption (or a repeat) either.
| POLL | ||
MAI 14 | 996 ANSWERS Craig Berube Shares Important Update on Anthony Stolarz Ahead of Critical Game 5 Who do you think should start for the Maple Leafs in Game 5? | ||
| Joseph Woll | 646 | 64.9 % |
| Matt Murray | 230 | 23.1 % |
| Dennis Hildeby | 120 | 12 % |
| List of polls | ||
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