Matt Murray Demoted Following Loss to Capitals; Rookie Goaltender Recalled from Marlies
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a roster move Monday morning, sending Matt Murray back down to the AHL after a tough outing against the Washington Capitals.
After a hectic return from the Christmas break that saw the Leafs play back-to-back on the weekend, Toronto had a pair of days off before returning to game action Tuesday afternoon against the Islanders.
Without Anthony Stolarz, who was sidelined after knee surgery, the Leafs have been playing musical chairs with Matt Murray and Dennis Hildeby bringing them up and sending them down down to maximize the window in which Murray is exempt from having to pass through waivers.
Monday was no different as the Leafs sent down Murray following his loss to the Washington Capitals Saturday, which he took the blame for. They also announced that they have recalled the rookie, Hildeby.
As Joseph Woll has not played since Friday and has now had three full days off, the move to recall Hildeby indicates that Woll will very likely get the nod on Tuesday afternoon against the Islanders.
According to a report from the Toronto Sun's Terry Koshun, Woll is expected to start three of the four games the Leafs play this week with Murray or Hildeby likely getting one of the two games this weekend in another back-to-back situation.
Woll hasn't been great since Stolarz went down, going 2-2 in four starts with a sub .900 save percentage. He has been fantastic in his two wins, but far from good in his two losses.
The third-round pick from 2016 will look to get back on track and string together a few quality starts for the Leafs as they now find themselves in a dogfight for top spot in the Atlantic Division with the Florida Panthers.
