The Toronto Maple Leafs are making headlines with the return of Joseph Woll, a significant moment that has sparked optimism among teammates. Goalie Anthony Stolarz expressed excitement, noting Woll’s positive spirit and its potential impact on team morale. Having missed over a month due to personal matters, Woll participated in practice as part of his preparation for a comeback.
Woll’s Anticipated Return
At 27, Woll has been a reliable member of the team. His return is timely, given the current struggles in the crease. The Leafs’ goaltenders have fallen to 27th in the league with a .873 save percentage this season, a sharp decline from last year’s fourth-best .905.
- Woll has been practicing consistently, hitting the ice every other day recently.
- A potential conditioning stint with the AHL’s Marlies may precede his NHL action next month.
- General Manager Brad Treliving emphasized the importance of patience, stating, “We’re not going to rush it.”
Teammates Praise Woll’s Impact
Other players echoed Stolarz’s sentiments. Morgan Rielly highlighted the support needed during a long season. The return of Woll could be a morale booster and provide much-needed energy for the team.
McCabe’s Strong Performance
Jake McCabe contributed significantly during a 4-3 comeback victory against the Buffalo Sabres. Despite missing his defensive partner Chris Tanev, McCabe excelled with 11 blocked shots, five hits, an assist, and a notable knockout punch. His aggressive play revitalized the team’s spirit, a quality McCabe acknowledged was lacking in previous games.
- McCabe noted the importance of energizing the team, saying, “Made it a mission here the last couple of nights to bring that side of my game out.”
- Nick Robertson agreed, stressing the need for increased energy levels across the team.
‘Scratch ‘N Score’ Highlights from Robertson
Nick Robertson is also making a name for himself with his knack for scoring upon returning from the press box. Dubbed “Scratch ‘N Score,” Robertson found the net in Saturday’s game against Buffalo. His recent performance included a season-high 14:54 minutes of ice time, showcasing his impact alongside star player Auston Matthews.
Injury Updates and Future Challenges
Several players are currently recovering from injuries. Chris Tanev is rehabbing from an upper body issue, while Calle Järnkrok deals with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, John Tavares is just one goal away from achieving a career milestone of 500 goals.
Maple Leafs’ Upcoming Games
The Maple Leafs will face the Calgary Flames next, with projected lines reflecting strategic adjustments made due to player injuries. The team is looking to build on their recent momentum and improve their standing in the league.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Forward | Robertson |
| Forward | Matthews |
| Forward | McMann |
| Defense | Ekman-Larsson |
| Goalie | Woll/Stolarz |
The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised for an important stretch, relying on the return of Woll and the energy of players like McCabe and Robertson. With their upcoming games, the hope is to translate recent momentum into consistent success on the ice.
