Just when it seemed like everything was finally going right for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Hockey Gods decided to throw the team a major reality check. With the Leafs leading the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 after two periods, the team looked to be rolling. Unfortunately, as the third period began, the mood shifted instantly when the squad returned to the ice without starting goaltender Joseph Woll.
Through forty minutes of play, Woll had looked incredibly solid, turning aside 22 of 23 shots. Dennis Hildeby led the Leafs onto the ice for the final frame and will take over in goal for the remainder of the night.
The Maple Leafs took to social media to officially confirm Woll’s absence as a lower-body injury.
Maple Leafs G Joseph Woll will not return to tonight’s game (lower body).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 5, 2025
With Anthony Stolarz already injured and nowhere near a return, this is as close to a worst-case scenario as possible for Toronto’s crease. The team had won three of their last four games and finally appeared to be rounding into form. Hopefully for the Leafs and for Woll, this exit is merely precautionary.