Matthew Knies has come alive after breaking out of a big scoring drought. Can the Leafs forward continue to produce offensively on the top line? Joseph Woll has been shouldering a heavier load in net lately, with the Toronto Maple Leafs leaning on him to start in eight of the team’s last 10 games. Despite a 5-3-0 record, a 3.03 goals against average, and a .902 save percentage in those contests, Woll's Thursday night performance against the Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/] has raised a question: is the increased workload becoming too much? According to Woll, the answer is no, as he’s maintained a positive outlook. “Yeah, I'm enjoying getting to play a lot,” Woll said when asked about his increased workload post-game. The netminder made 28 saves in a 6-3 loss but posted a .848 save percentage. Despite allowing five goals, he made several key saves to keep the game within reach. The Leafs initially led 2-0 in the first 10 minutes, but the Hurricanes answered quickly, scoring two goals in just 17 seconds to tie the game [https://x.com/Canes/status/1877524777683788075] before the first intermission. At one point, the score was knotted at 3-3, but Carolina’s three unanswered goals sealed the win. “Yeah, they're a pretty good team and they have some big bodies and they play hard games and some guys are pretty skilled,” said Woll. “I thought it was a pretty evenly matched game at the end of the day. I thought their goalie outplayed me a bit and I think that's the difference in the game.” The Hurricanes, who were second in the NHL in shots on goal per game before Thursday’s contest, matched up well with the Maple Leafs and were capable of throwing 34 shots on net. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7EJ3qgYE3I[/embed] Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged Woll’s efforts despite the loss, highlighting his overall strong play this season. “Well, he probably wants them (back). But he's played some real good hockey for us,” Berube said. “He made some real good saves tonight, too. I'm sure he wants a couple of goals back. But, you know, he's been battling for us and playing well.” As for Woll’s increased workload, Berube believes he’s handling it well. “Well, I think he's been fine with it,” Berube explained. “I don't see him getting tired or anything like that. He wants the net. So he's done a good job.” [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7G9QU4NA9g[/embed] On the season, Woll is 14-7-0 with a .912 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average, showing that he’s performed to a high standard despite the increase in demand. His role has recently increased given the circumstances with goalie partner Anthony Stolarz, who continues to recover from a knee injury that has sidelined him for four to six weeks. Woll, who missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign due to groin tightness, has stepped up in Stolarz's absence, but for how long? With eight games remaining in January, the Leafs will need to monitor Woll's workload carefully. The next challenge comes on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/] before the club resumes action again on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/dallas-stars/]. For now, though, the 26-year-old continues to embrace the opportunity as it comes to him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
