Maple Leafs starting goaltender Joseph Woll was unable to play in the team’s season opener against the Canadiens due to lower-body tightness. Anthony Stolarz stepped in for Woll and put on a solid performance, making 26 saves in the 1-0 loss. Rookie Dennis Hildeby was called up from the AHL as a backup for Stolarz.
Coach Craig Berube mentioned that Woll’s absence was precautionary, as he started experiencing tightness the day before the game. Berube did not confirm whether Woll would be ready to play in the next game against the New Jersey Devils.
Woll has a history of injuries during his time with the Maple Leafs, despite posting good numbers. He missed two months last season due to a high ankle sprain. During the playoff series against the Boston Bruins, Woll had to step in for an injured Ilya Samsonov and helped the team tie the series before being sidelined with an undisclosed injury in Game 7.
Despite his injury troubles, the Maple Leafs offered Woll a three-year contract extension worth $10.98 million to solidify his position as the team’s starting goaltender. Stolarz, who recently won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, was signed on a two-year deal worth $5 million to provide support in Woll’s absence.
The Maple Leafs have confidence in Stolarz’s abilities, with captain Auston Matthews praising his size and play-reading skills. Stolarz’s performance behind Panthers’ starter Sergei Bobrovsky has given the team assurance that he can handle the starting role until Woll is fully recovered.
While Woll’s injury is a setback for the team, the Maple Leafs are optimistic about Stolarz’s capabilities and are hopeful for Woll’s speedy recovery to resume his position as the team’s starting goaltender. The upcoming games will provide opportunities for Stolarz to showcase his talent and support the team in Woll’s absence.