Woll will make his second start in goal this season.
Joseph Woll will make his second start in goal this season as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Seattle Kraken at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.
Woll debuted this season last week, facing his hometown St. Louis Blues for the first time in his NHL career, making 22 saves on 26 shots in a 5-1 loss. His season debut was delayed due to a groin injury, which prevented him from suiting up for the Leafs' season opener against the Montreal Canadiens on October 9.
In Woll’s absence, Anthony Solarz has been reliable in Toronto’s net, with a 4-2-1 record and a .916 save percentage in his seven starts, marking his first season with the Leafs.
Nick Robertson will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch during Toronto’s 6-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. In Wednesday’s practice, he rotated in and out of the fourth line, and it seems likely he’ll start on that line for the first time this season. Ryan Reaves will sit out to make room for Robertson.
“They’re a very quick team. They play fast. They’ve got some real quick forwards with some skill and ability,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of the Kraken. “They’ve got a good record on the road, 3-1. So, you know, we’ve just got to focus on our game and bring what we brought to Winnipeg 5-on-5.”
Robertson’s speed is likely a factor in this lineup change, as it aligns better with the fast-paced style of the Kraken.
Historically, the Maple Leafs hold a 5-1-0 record against the Kraken. Jared McCann, who’s on a seven-game point streak, leads Seattle with 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 10 games. Interestingly, the Leafs briefly acquired McCann from the Pittsburgh Penguins before leaving him unprotected in the expansion draft, where Seattle picked him up. Since joining the Kraken, he has been their leading scorer.
The game marks the first time Chris Tanev will play against brother Brandon Tanev since signing with the Leafs this summer.
"I don't think it's going to change much," Chris said about joining the Leafs in the brother rivalry. "I'm just trying to beat him. He's trying to beat me. You grow up competing against each other in pretty much everything you do, so I don't think it's changed much over the course of our lives."
Defenseman Brandon Montour will be out of the lineup for Seattle as he flew home for the birth of his daughter.
Joey Daccord is the projected starter in goal for Seattle against Toronto.
Where to Watch
Fans in the Leafs' region can watch on TSN4, while viewers across Canada can tune in on Sportsnet+ Premium. In the United States, Seattle-area fans can watch on KING5 and KONG via the Kraken Hockey Network, while ESPN+ will stream the game for the rest of the U.S.