Joseph Woll, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender, is no stranger to adversity. Over the past year, he’s faced a string of physical setbacks, starting with a high ankle sprain that kept him off the ice for two and a half months. This was followed by a back injury during Game 6 of the best-of-seven series against the Boston Bruins, which led to his absence from the final game. Despite these challenges, Woll’s resilience is evident.
Woll had hoped to secure the top spot as the team’s primary goalie, but his injury-induced absences and a dip in his performance saw him sharing duties with teammate Ilya Samsonov. However, Woll managed to pull off consecutive victories for the Leafs when they were down 3-1 against the Bruins. Unfortunately, a back injury ruled him out of the final game.
His return to the ice has been marked by ups and downs. Despite signing journeyman Anthony Stolarz in the free agency, Woll’s position seemed secure until a groin injury sidelined him again. Yet, Woll remains positive, acknowledging the uncontrollable nature of injuries and focusing on the work he’s put in.
Woll’s comeback has been promising. Despite a shaky start, his performance is improving. In a recent match against the Seattle Kraken, he made 24 saves, contributing to Toronto’s 4-1 victory. This followed a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues the previous week where he allowed four goals on 26 shots. Woll is looking forward to getting back into the rhythm of playing and continuing to improve his game.
His fellow players have been impressed with his attitude and approach. Leafs centre John Tavares praised Woll’s ability to focus on what he can control and make the most of every opportunity. First-year Toronto head coach Craig Berube echoed these sentiments, commending Woll’s professionalism and dedication.
With a 21-13-1 record, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.76 goals-against average over 36 regular season games, Woll’s potential is clear. His resilience and work ethic are a testament to his character, and he remains a valuable asset to the Leafs. Despite the challenges, Woll remains committed to his team and his sport, proving that setbacks are just stepping stones to success.
