May 7, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) stops a shot from Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (25) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesWith Anthony Stolarz unavailable for Game 2 against the Florida Panthers, all eyes turned to Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll.
The latter had to step into Game 1 after Stolarz was forced to leave the game due to an injury in the second period. Thrown into a bit of a firestorm, he let in three goals on 20 shots. Although not necessarily the goaltender's fault, a Toronto fan based shifted from a focus on Woll's past and a quick shift to how soon could the Leafs see Stolarz return.
Making his first start of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Woll had time to prepare and calmly delivered the performance the Maple Leafs needed making 25 saves in a 4-3 win to jump out to a 2-0 series lead in their second-round series.
"The pucks are coming to the net all the time so he was on his toes and fighting through traffic and making the saves that are needed," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Woll. "(I was) very impressed with him tonight."
Woll is no stranger to postseason action, performing when called upon in recent years. The question was never about Woll's ability but rather his availability, with a laundry list of injuries that have plagued him during his career.
One particular save stood out: In the third period, Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt found forward Mackie Samoskevich for what seemed like a wide-open net, only to see Woll slide across to make the toe save.
Saves like that highlight the minimal drop-off in goaltending between Stolarz and Woll, a contrast to other teams where a clear No. 1 goalie typically dominates the regular season.
"We have so much confidence in either goalie in our net. Joe just comes in with such a calming presence," Mitch Marner said of Woll. "Just his preparation before games, during games. He's getting a little old now. Just with his age, it's just so professional to see and how he takes everything every day. There's never any worry with either guy in net. Joe showed it again why he's one of the best."
Woll improved to 5-2 in the postseason with a .919 save percentage.
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