Maple Leafs coach shifts tone on Joseph Woll after recent criticism

The Toronto Maple Leafs saw a shift in tone from head coach Craig Berube after their latest defeat, this time backing goaltender Joseph Woll following earlier criticism.

Woll made 33 saves in a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, keeping the score respectable despite a poor team display. Only Jake McCabe scored for Toronto, and Berube did not hold back after the game.

“We had one player show up tonight, and that was our goalie,” Berube said. “That’s really what it boils down to.”

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The remark marked a clear contrast from earlier this month when the coach questioned Woll’s ability to make key saves in big moments.

That earlier criticism came after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, where Berube pointed to the need for a decisive stop late in the game. Woll had made 32 saves that night but allowed four goals, including an overtime winner.

“Tonight in the end, I think, you know, I don’t think, I know we need a save,” Berube said after the loss to the Hurricanes. “Like, you know, whether it’s the OT or it’s one of the breakaways, you know, we just need a big save there.”

The message then was direct. And now, Berube has shifted his tone on Woll.

MORE: NHL analyst hands truth to Maple Leafs coach for calling out Joseph Woll

Maple Leafs and Woll are going through a difficult 2025-26 NHL season

Woll’s season reflects the tension felt by the Maple Leafs. He holds a 15-14-6 record with a 3.22 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. That number sits above the league average, yet the results remain mixed. In wins, Woll has been sharp, but in losses, defensive breakdowns in front of him have exposed gaps.

Saturday’s game told the same story. Toronto struggled to control play, leaving Woll under constant pressure. Without his efforts, the margin could have been far worse.

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Meanwhile, the Leafs continue to fight inconsistency. They sit near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 31-30-13 record. Defensive issues remain a major concern, with the team allowing 3.46 goals per game. Moreover, injuries to captain Auston Matthews and Chris Tanev have further impacted their season.

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