Why the Maple Leafs Chose Joseph Woll as Tonight's Starting Goalie Against the St. Louis Blues

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a rough outing last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, being dominated from start to finish and feeling a step behind the opposition all night. They look to bounce back from that on Thursday when they take on head coach Craig Berube's old team the St. Louis Blues.

So with Joseph Woll set to return and make his season debut tonight, it's a wonder why Toronto would go with Woll so soon especially when Anthony Stolarz is currently doing a remarkable job in his absence.

According to NHL analyst Nick Kypreos on the Real Kyper & Bourne Podcast, Woll starting on Thursday would be a mistake and Stolarz should be starting instead:

Perplexed, Kypreos' co-host Justin Bourne asked why Woll would be starting so late if he's ready now given he needs NHL game reps. Kypreos retorted:

While it's understandable why Toronto would want Woll to get the start, it would be best served if he played while Toronto is on a wave of momentum instead of giving him the pressure to not only win two points but impress his head coach into earning his #1 starter spot back from Anthony Stolarz. If Woll can come out and dominate St. Louis and look like the Woll the Maple Leafs saw in the playoffs last season, then Toronto may have the best 1-2 goaltending duo in the league.

So far in his career, Woll has been solid with a 21-13-1 record with a 2.76 GAA and .912 SV% and was the key factor in Toronto lasting seven games last season against the Boston Bruins. Dealing with a nagging groin injury since the preseason, Woll will look to make an impact tonight and set Toronto on the right course as they head into a very tough schedule with games against the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and Seattle Kraken in their future.

Head coach Craig Berube is excited about being able to face his old team, and maybe has a bit of extra motivation to win, but his decision to start Woll may end up costing him and leave him feeling the blues.