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Maple Leafs put themselves at risk with starting goalie decision against the Blue Jackets
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have to make a tough decision regarding their starting goalie against the Columbus Blue Jackets, especially amidst a pretty awful losing skid.
After losing to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell to last place in the Eastern Conference. The only way they can get out of the basement is by actually winning.
Unfortunately, they are about to embark on a brutal road trip. Tonight, they start with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but as the trip goes on, they will also have to play the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes.
With Anthony Stolarz injured, this road trip is going to be difficult on Joseph Woll, who has already started the last four games. He is being overworked, which is exactly how Stolarz got injured in the first place.
Joseph Woll starts against the Columbus Blue Jackets
Despite all of this, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has decided to start Woll against the Blue Jackets tonight, making it five in a row for the netminder.
Woll was not on the ice for morning skate, and it is believed that this was to at least give him a morning off before what should be a pretty difficult game.
Woll's next day off should be either Friday or Saturday. The Leafs have a back-to-back with the Capitals and Penguins, which will offer an opportunity to Dennis Hildeby.
Regardless, throwing Joseph Woll to the wolves tonight could prove to be a risk, as you don't want yet another starting goaltender to get injured in the midst of a losing skid.
Joseph Woll's stats don't tell the whole story
In four games this season, Joseph Woll has a goals-against average of 3.27 and a save percentage of .905. He also has a record of 1-2-1.
However, this does not tell the whole story. If he hadn't been pulled against the Montreal Canadiens, his GAA would be well below three, and his save percentage would arguably be above .910.
He has been the team's saving grace over the last week, and they are going to need him to stand on his head if they want to defeat the Blue Jackets.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26 | 389 ANSWERS Maple Leafs put themselves at risk with starting goalie decision against the Blue Jackets Do you believe Joseph Woll can get the Toronto Maple Leafs a win tonight? | ||
| YES | 313 | 80.5 % |
| NO | 76 | 19.5 % |
| List of polls | ||