Joseph Woll's reaction to being pulled surprised Craig Berube, and it was heated
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Craig Berube revealed Tuesday that Joseph Woll was unhappy about being pulled against Montreal -- a reaction that stood out for a goalie who is usually calm and controlled.
Toronto played one of their rougher games of the season against the Montreal Canadiens last Saturday, coming away with a 5-2 loss, as well as losing defenseman Jake McCabe as the injuries keep piling up.
Goaltender Joseph Woll had one of his toughest games since returning to the lineup, and his reaction showed how strongly he felt about staying in the fight.
After he was pulled for Dennis Hildeby, the usually composed Woll showed more visible frustration than usual.
According to head coach Craig Berube, Woll was upset with being pulled and the general circumstances of the game seemed to be his tipping point, and he didn't care win or lose the message was simple -- let him play.
How Woll's response fits the tougher identity Berube is trying to build
Speaking to reporters after the team's practice on Tuesday, Berube relented that Woll was actually quite angry at the coach for pulling him, knowing it was his responsibility to keep fighting for the team regardless of the score:
He was pissed off at me for pulling him the other night, Berube said. But I like that. He wanted to stay in and fight.
It highlights the competitiveness Toronto has been searching for, especially as the team has struggled to generate consistent urgency in recent games.
Guys forecheck and play hard sure, but the passion that the team has -- which was stressed so heavily this summer -- has faded.
It echoes Anthony Stolarz's earlier comments about wanting more support in front of the net, another example of Leafs goaltenders openly expressing higher expectations.
That certainly could be due to injuries and the team not playing up to their standards, but it's hardly Woll's fault.
This was his fourth game since returning from a leave of absence, and if it weren't for him then things might be even uglier and Toronto is lucky to have a 9-10-3 record.
Woll's and Stolarz's reactions stand out because both have spoken publicly about accountability and competitiveness during difficult stretches -- something others have failed to do.
It may have taken Craig Berube by surprise when Joseph Woll blew his gasket on the head coach, but it shows that this season is incredibly important to him.
Woll's reaction wasn't a meltdown; it was a message. And given Toronto's recent inconsistency, visible competitiveness from key players carries weight.
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