Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube Faces Heartbreaking Decision Before Tomorrow's Showdown in St. Louis

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Tom Banks
November 1, 2024 (7:08 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs battle the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night, and now Craig Berube has a huge decision to weigh up in net ahead of that game.

Through 11 games of the 2024/25 regular season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have looked fantastic for the most part, and now they are getting healthy in net, their confidence continues to grow. With both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll excelling, this team has a good chance to win every night out, and while Woll was expected to be the start for the majority of the season, the performance of the veteran Stolarz has given Head Coach Craig Berube plenty to think about.

Now, he's got even more to weigh up ahead of their road clash with the St. Louis Blues, as it will be played in Woll's home state, a place he has never played in before, with Berube addressing that intriguing part of his decision.

"We always consider those things. They're not the No. 1 most important thing ... It is part of the conversation"

After a stellar start against the Seattle Kraken in just his second appearance of the season, it appears Woll is expecting to get the nod, even if Berube hasn't publicly confirmed that just yet.

"It's where I grew up so a lot of good memories. A lot of family & friends there. I'm looking forward to being able to go there & see them & play there."

While it's certainly not Berube's responsibility to play players in their home states, given that Woll is just coming back from injury and would like to find his rhythm, it is perhaps in the best interest of him and the team to make it happen. After a breakout season a year ago, the hopes of the Maple Leafs season hang on the shoulders of Woll, so if Berube doesn't trust him with a moment like this, it may certainly raise some questions moving forward.