Auston Matthews Makes it Very Clear How He Feels About Leafs Goaltender Joseph Woll
Joseph Woll has had some injury troubles in recent seasons, but new Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had made it very clear how he feels about his #1 goalie.
The role of goaltender is certainly not an easy one today, especially given the push towards more offense in the NHL. Still, when Joseph Woll has needed to shine, he's done so, very brightly. Viewed by most as one of the most talented up-and-coming goalies in the league, the one knock on Woll has been his inability to remain healthy.
This summer, the Leafs made a move to acquire Anthony Stolarz via free agency to help augment Woll in the crease in Toronto. Stolarz has played very well thus far, boasting some exceptional pre-season numbers, but as far as most are concerned, Woll, who will also debut a new Curtis Joseph inspired mask this season, is still expected to he the 1A in Toronto to Stolarz's 1B.
Woll told TSN this weekend that he feels good about the technical aspects of his game, as well as very strong from a mental aspect. His new captain, Auston Matthews, also revealed just how confident he is in Woll's abilities following a big win to close out the pre-season schedule.
Former Leafs captain John Tavares echoed similar sentiments to that of Matthews, and was very complimentary of Woll's play on the weekend.
For Woll, the proud recipient of a shiny, new contract extension, it's more about remaining healthy than anything. When he plays, he has the ability to steal games. That's a desired quality in a goaltender. Woll, as you'll recall, was the main reason why the Leafs were able to climb back into their first round series against the Boston Bruins, knotting the series up at 3-3 and forcing a deciding Game 7. Unfortunately, an injury in the dying seconds of Game 6 forced him to the sidelines and we all know how that series ended.
Woll, like Stolarz, has never played more than 30 games in a season, so this year will be quote the test for the former 3rd round draft pick. Thankfully, he has his teammates behind him and a quality tandem partner to help carry the load.
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