Maple Leafs' starter is set as key returns reshape the lineup vs. the Red Wings
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Ahead of a crucial divisional matchup vs. Detroit on Wednesday, the Maple Leafs have seemingly made their decision on who will be starting in net.
Coming of the heels of a rough 6-3 loss against the Minnesota Wild on Monday, the Maple Leafs are looking to rebound at home against the Detroit Red Wings in a crucial matchup where Toronto needs to get at least a point to keep pace in the Atlantic.
Toronto turns to Joseph Woll for matchup vs. Red Wings
But the question of who starts has a mystery as Craig Berube was noncommittal about which goaltender he wants in, though practice has seemingly given us the answer.
Woll has struggled recently and has let up 5+ goals in back to back games so he's looking to regain his confidence after a minor rough stretch.
This season, Woll has been tasked with the majority of starts since Anthony Stolarz went down in early November. He's posted an 11-5-3 record with a 2.90 GAA and .908 SV% along with two shutouts.
Troy Stecher returns after missing practice; 'good to go' for Red Wings game
That's not the only news out of practice as defenseman Troy Stecher; who was absent from practice on Tuesday, has returned to the ice after what the team called a 'maintenance day'.
Stecher was banged up from the team's recent road trip, and joins other players like Matthew Knies who are dealing with some lingering issues.
Per Craig Berube, the lineup on Wednesday remains unchanged although it's interesting to keep an eye on Matthew Knies.
If Knies is unable to go, it's a high likelihood that Jacob Quillan will find himself in the lineup after he was called up earlier on.
While he was slotted in the lineup and played on Monday, he didn't take line rushes and is likely still a game-time decision based on how he feels as he's not at 100%.
Since being claimed off waivers, Stecher has been a bright spot for the Maple Leafs both offensively and defensively. While his hot streak cooled off, he still has 10 points in 30 games (2 goals, 8 assists) with a plus-eight and 35 blocks in 20:21 TOI.
It's going to take a herculean effort from the Maple Leafs though, as they've been a powerhouse recently. Over the last seven games, they are 6-1-0 and outscoring opponents 26-15 so it won't be easy for Craig Berube and company.
Luckily, Toronto has a very good record at home going 16-6-5 so far this season and will look to the crowd to rally behind them to give them that extra edge throughout the game.
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