Joseph Woll's Recent Struggles Linked to Possible Health Concern, Insider Suggests

While the start of the season didn't end up in Joseph Woll's favor, having to begin the year on the IR before finding his way back into the net. But since then he's been every bit the goaltender Toronto needs him to be, and his tandem with Anthony Stolarz (currently injured) has been the team's biggest turnaround.

But over the past week it's been pretty bad for Woll. Giving up nine goals over his last two stars, his sudden stable presence has become a crumbling question mark. It's not for a lack of trying though, as his defense isn't offering him too much leeway when it comes to protection.

Though it could be something bugging Woll enough to keep his focus away, and one NHL Insider believes a nasty bit of illness is to blame.

Something has looked off about Woll, no doubt and dealing with a head cold necessarily isn't the easiest thing to shake off. Especially for athletes, having enough lung capacity and being able to breathe properly is essential to performing at the top of your game.

If Woll is dealing with any respiratory issues, that would definitely affect his ability to act or think quickly, given he just won't have the energy, not to mention the aches and stiffness associated with the illness.

Kudos to him though for trying his best to help the team especially given they are already down a top netminder.

This season has been a complete turnaround for the Maple Leafs' goaltending. Since signing Anthony Stolarz in the offseason and the emergence of Woll, Toronto finally feels like they have the right pieces available to push them into a strong playoff run, granted they stay healthy.

Woll, although he's struggled recently has been stellar and looked worth every penny of his three-year, $11. M contract extension he signed on July 1.

This season he's put together a 14-8-0 record with a 2.72 GAA and .911 SV% including one shutout. Stolarz meanwhile has gone 9-5-2 with a 2.15 GAA and .927 SV%.