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Maple Leafs solidify their goaltending plans ahead of this weekend's critical back-to-back
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have to play the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators this weekend, and Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby will need to be ready.
Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby have been rock solid for the Toronto Maple Leafs and are the only reasons why the Leafs aren't worse off.
While Hildeby did get lit up against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, the loss was not his fault. Instead, it was the effort of his teammates that led to a loss.
Having said that, both Woll and Hildeby have a very difficult task ahead this weekend, as the Leafs play the Nashville Predators on Saturday and the Dallas Stars on Sunday.
Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby must answer the call
Going into this weekend, one would assume that the Leafs would go with Joseph Woll on Saturday and Dennis Hildeby on Sunday.
Craig Berube has made it clear he doesn't want to overload his goaltenders. With that in mind, it makes sense for Woll to get the start on Saturday.
Not to mention, the Leafs play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, which is a quick turnaround. Having Woll play Sunday and Tuesday feels out of the question.
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Both Hildeby and Woll will have an uphill battle, especially if their teammates continue to play with a sad lack of urgency.
The Maple Leafs need to be a lot better, and they need to actually give their goalies something to play for.
If they cannot dig themselves out of this hole, then there is a real chance that they get their coach fired, which would be a disastrous first half of the season.