Maple Leafs Restrict Media from Speaking to Slumping Star Following Recent Struggles

As the Leafs skated off the ice at the SAP Center in San Jose, they suffered another brutal shootout loss to the worst team in the NHL. While they put up a good effort, it was tough for everyone to fend off the youthful, yet hungry Sharks team.

A lot of it comes down to a defense that hasn't appeared all that good as of late, but the inconsistency of Joseph Woll over the past few games has drawn some serious concerns. With Toronto trying to figure out who to start in the playoffs, it makes things even harder given Anthony Stolarz's struggles as well.

So in trying to make sure Woll is mentally sound even though he's having a rough time, it seems the Maple Leafs are trying to shield him from any criticism or tough questions from the media.

In addition to Craig Berube laying into his goaltender (and the rest of the team too for that matter), Woll was made unavailable to comment on the game afterward. Whether it was a tactic to protect Woll or infuriate the media may draw some debate, but no doubt he needed a mental break.

Giving up five goals to the worst team in hockey, then losing in a shootout has to suck mentally, and being hounded about what he could have done better or reliving the rough game he just played is the last thing he wants to do.

He has been good though this season, even amidst the struggles. In 38 games he owns a 24-13-1 record with a 2.80 GAA and .905 SV%.

But he needs to start picking things up again and be the goalie we all know he can be, or it's going to be a tough time for Toronto come playoff time and no matter how heroic he's been in the past, if Woll fails to show up it's going to be another swift exit.