The Toronto Maple Leafs have dominated their first 11 games of the 2024-25 regular season, and now that they are healthy in goal, their confidence keeps rising. This team has a good chance of winning every night because both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll are playing extremely well. Although Woll was supposed to start most of the season, Head Coach Craig Berube has a lot to think about because of Stolarz's performance.
Before their road game against the St. Louis Blues, he has even more to consider because it will take place in Woll's home state, a venue he has never played in. Berube discusses that intriguing aspect of his choice.
Even though Berube hasn't made the announcement yet, it seems Woll is hoping to be selected after a strong start against the Seattle Kraken in just his second appearance of the season.
Woll told reporters after practice that he expects a tearful homecoming and that his mother will be a "nervous wreck." The fact that Woll is from Missouri is still taken into consideration by Berube, but it is not the deciding factor in the selection process.
Playing players in their home states is by no means Berube's responsibility, but since Woll is just recovering from an injury and wants to settle into a routine, it might be best for him and the team to do so. The hopes of the Maple Leafs season rest on Woll's shoulders following a breakout season the previous year, so if Berube doesn't trust him with a moment like this, it might raise some questions going forward.
POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 1 | 91 ANSWERS Craig Berube Faces Heartbreaking Decision Ahead of St. Louis Blues Game Who do you think should be the starting goaltender for the Maple Leafs? | ||
Joseph Woll | 35 | 38.5 % |
Anthony Stolarz | 56 | 61.5 % |
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