Joseph Woll has 13 regular season NHL starts under his belt. The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender could earn a lot more down the line as a goalie competition has seemingly opened up for Toronto.
Woll entered in relief for starter Ilya Samsonov last Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning after the latter allowed three goals on the first four shots he faced. Samsonov lasted less than 10 minutes and in stepped Woll, who pitched a 50-minute shutout with 27 saves as the Maple Leafs came back to win in overtime, 4-3.
The performance is expected to earn Woll more ice time and the 25-year-old is embracing the chance to become a full-time starter for the first time in his NHL career.
“This year, it just feels like all the experiences I've had recently have prepared me for this. I feel ready,” Woll said, via Luke Fox. “I don't think I was ready to be at this point a year ago, two years ago. Every experience I've been afforded has made me ready.”
Will Toronto give Woll the reins?
In a time of desperation, the Maple Leafs turned to Woll during the playoffs last season. Samsonov was injured in Game 3 of the second round, with Woll allowing three goals in an overtime loss to the Florida Panthers.
Facing elimination in Game 4, Woll stopped 25 shots and allowed one puck past him to help keep Toronto's season alive. He then made 43 saves in a Game 5 loss but showed the spotlight was not too bright for him.
Ilya Samsonov may not have done enough to lose his job yet, but it will be hard for the Maple Leafs to keep Joseph Woll on the bench if he continues to play well between the pipes. They should be inclined to give him the opportunity to do so.
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