The Toronto Maple Leafs have clawed their way back into their playoff series with the Florida Panthers, tying things up 3-3 after a gutsy 2-0 win in Game 6. While fans celebrated the victory, one name stood out above the rest—goaltender Joseph Woll. After a rocky outing in Game 5, Woll bounced back with a shutout performance that has now made him the frontrunner to start in Game 7.
From Backup to Breakout: Woll’s Playoff Journey
When the series began, Joseph Woll wasn’t even Toronto’s first choice. The starting job was in the hands of Anthony Stolarz. But injuries and inconsistency changed the plan, and Woll was called into action. His Game 5 performance was rough—he gave up five goals on 25 shots and was pulled before the end. Critics were quick to question if he was ready for the pressure of the playoffs.
But in Game 6, he silenced all doubts. With Toronto’s defense doing their part to keep Florida’s offense to the outside, Woll stayed solid between the pipes, stopping all 22 shots he faced. It was his first career playoff shutout and one that came when the Leafs needed it most.
Leafs Must Stick with Woll for Game 7
Now the question for coach Craig Berube is simple: who starts Game 7? Even if Stolarz is medically cleared, Woll has earned the net. He was calm, focused, and technically sound in Game 6, giving his teammates the confidence to push forward and control the game. And while anything can happen in a high-pressure Game 7, Woll has shown enough to be trusted.
Yes, there’s always a risk. If Woll lets in an early soft goal or two, Berube might have to consider a quick switch. But that’s true of any goalie in a must-win game. Right now, Woll has momentum, confidence, and the trust of the team. That counts for a lot.
Woll vs. Bobrovsky: Who’s Been Better?
Let’s compare performances. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky may be the big-name, $10-million-per-year goalie, but he hasn’t looked like it in this series. In four of the six games so far, Bobrovsky has posted a save percentage below .882. Woll, on the other hand, has recorded save percentages above .946 in two of his last three starts. Even though he’s still young at 26 and finding his way in the NHL, Woll has outperformed his veteran rival.
A Chance at History
Game 7 is a chance for the Leafs to move into the Eastern Conference Final, where the Carolina Hurricanes await. For Toronto, it’s a moment to push forward after years of playoff frustration. For Joseph Woll, it’s a chance to write his name into team history. If he can lead the Leafs to victory, it could mark the beginning of something special—not just for the team, but for his own career.
Joseph Woll has stepped up in a huge way when the Maple Leafs needed him most. His shutout in Game 6 wasn’t just about numbers—it was about proving he can handle the pressure and be a difference-maker. Game 7 will be a battle, but with Woll in goal, Toronto fans have reason to believe. He’s earned the right to lead this team one more time in what could be a historic game for the franchise.
