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The Toronto Maple Leafs can’t catch a break, losing another goalie in a crushing turn of events against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Toronto Maple Leafs played another solid game on Thursday night, facing the Carolina Hurricanes. The entire team rallied to build on the convincing 4-1 win against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.
The Leafs put forth another fantastic effort, pounding the Hurricanes 5-1. Bobby McMann got two goals. Auston Matthews looked great. And the defense avoided boneheaded mistakes to keep the puck out of the net. Everything looked on the up and up.
However, the game was marred by some unfortunate injury news. Before the start of the third period, Maple Leafs rinkside reported Mark Masters dropped some crushing news: Starting netminder Joseph Woll left the game with a lower-body injury. No further information was forthcoming. Woll stopped 22 of 23 shots on the night, looking sharp.
Joseph Woll will not return to the game due to a lower-body injury, per @LeafsPR
Anthony Stolarz is out with an upper-body injury with no timeline for his return
Dennis Hildeby in for Leafs
Dennis Hildeby came in relief and did a good job of holding the fort in the third period. He stopped all nine shots he faced. The Leafs’ defense deserves credit for playing well in front of Hildeby.
The dreadful injury news comes during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ best stretch of the season. The Leafs have played a string of solid games, finally climbing out of the Atlantic Division cellar.
Woll has been instrumental in helping the Maple Leafs turn things around after seemingly hitting rock bottom earlier this season. November did not offer much respite for the Buds, though they ended the month on a strong note.
The potential loss of Woll for an extended period complicates matters for Toronto significantly. Anthony Stolarz has no signs of returning to the ice any time soon. So, losing Woll for any length of time could derail the momentum the Maple Leafs have shown in the last two weeks or so.
Hildeby to Become Maple Leafs’ Starter in Woll’s Absence
If Woll cannot come back soon, and with Stolarz still unable to return, Hildeby will be the starter. Hildeby has shown positive flashes this season. He hasn’t been spectacular, but that’s also been a reflection of the team in front of him.
The Maple Leafs have already weathered numerous injury setbacks this season. That’s why the momentum the Leafs have built at this point could make matters easier for Hildeby. In the meantime, the club will be looking to get a positive update on Woll’s situation in the coming days.
Should Toronto Look into Another goalie?
The Toronto Maple Leafs may need to look into another goalie this season. There’s no telling how much longer the team will be without Anthony Stolarz. But assuming Stolarz won’t be returning before the calendar turns to 2026, Woll’s absence could be a devastating one.
Sure, Hildeby can hold the fort for the time being. But what other options do the Maple Leafs have behind Hildeby? The Leafs will inevitably need another goalie, particularly with the compressed schedule ahead.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many readily available options out there for the Maple Leafs. GM Brad Treliving must, nonetheless, kick the tires to see what goalies could come in to support Hildeby while Stolarz and Woll are out.
But to end on a positive note, this could be the chance for Hildeby to prove he’s an NHL-caliber goalie. Who knows, Hildeby could turn into the unlikely hero for the Maple Leafs this season.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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