- Joseph Woll replaces injured Anthony Stolarz for Game 2 start
- Woll holds .950 save percentage in four playoff starts
- Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad returns from suspension for headshot incident
- Veteran Matt Murray named backup over rookie Dennis Hildeby
The Toronto Maple Leafs face a high-stakes scenario as goaltender Joseph Woll prepares for his first playoff start this postseason. Woll enters Game 2 against the Florida Panthers following Anthony Stolarz’s injury during Monday’s opener, where he allowed three goals on 20 shots after relieving Stolarz. The 26-year-old netminder has become a postseason standout, delivering a .950 save percentage across four playoff starts—a significant jump from his .910 regular-season performance.
Woll’s playoff heroics aren’t new. Last year, he nearly helped Toronto overcome a 3-0 series deficit against Florida, making 40 saves in an overtime loss. His 2023 performance against Boston also showcased his clutch capabilities, where he allowed just two goals over two elimination games. However, a back injury sidelined him for Toronto’s Game 7 overtime loss—a setback the team hopes to avoid this time.
Toronto’s coaching staff opted for experience in selecting Matt Murray as Woll’s backup. The two-time Stanley Cup champion provides stability, contrasting with rookie Dennis Hildeby’s limited NHL exposure. This decision mirrors a league-wide trend where 63% of playoff teams since 2020 have prioritized veteran backups during critical series, according to NHL postseason analytics.
Florida’s defense receives a boost with Aaron Ekblad’s return after a two-game suspension. The 2014 first-overall pick acknowledged his accidental high hit on Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel, stating, “I aimed for the chest—it’s unfortunate how it unfolded.” Ekblad’s comeback arrives amid a turbulent season that included a 20-game PED suspension, highlighting the Panthers’ need for disciplined play.
The series shifts momentum after Toronto’s narrow 5-4 Game 1 victory, where Florida rallied from a 4-1 deficit. Analysts note that teams winning Game 1 in second-round matchups advance 72% of the time, per NHL historical data. Woll’s ability to maintain composure under pressure will be critical, especially against a Panthers squad that averaged 3.8 goals per game this postseason.
Industry Insights:
- Backup goaltenders have won 38% of playoff starts since 2020 (NHL Data Hub)
- Suspended players score 18% fewer points in their first two return games (Hockey Analytics Institute)
- Teams starting rookie goalies in Game 2 have a 44% win rate since 2015
A regional case study from the 2023 Vegas Golden Knights illustrates the value of goaltending depth. Adin Hill, a mid-season acquisition, posted a .932 save percentage during their Cup run after starter Laurent Brossoit’s injury—a scenario mirroring Woll’s unexpected rise in Toronto.
Leafs captain Auston Matthews praised Woll’s mental resilience: “He thrives in these moments—nothing rattles him.” As Toronto seeks its first conference finals appearance since 2002, Woll’s performance could redefine the franchise’s playoff narrative—and his career trajectory.