The Toronto Maple Leafs preseason is ending. Nevertheless, one of the crucial intriguing storylines continues to be in play: the goaltending competitors between Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Heading into camp, Woll was anticipated to safe the starter place after a stable efficiency in the course of the 2022-23 season. Nevertheless, Stolarz’s standout preseason has raised questions on whether or not Woll’s place because the staff’s primary goalie is in jeopardy.
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Stolarz’s Stellar Preseason Efficiency Has Been Lights Out for Maple Leafs
Stolarz has been a drive within the web this preseason, outperforming expectations together with his stellar play. In 130 minutes of motion, he’s confronted 54 photographs and allowed simply two targets, boasting a outstanding 0.964 save proportion and 0.93 goals-against common. His efficiency towards a principally full-strength Detroit Pink Wings lineup was inspiring. Stolarz stopped all 30 photographs he confronted. These included a number of highlight-reel saves on Vladimir Tarasenko, showcasing his skill to rise to the event.
Then again, Joseph Woll, the presumed starter, has had a quieter and fewer spectacular preseason. In simply over 31 minutes of play, Woll allowed three targets on 23 photographs, leaving him with a save proportion beneath what was anticipated. Though it’s a small pattern dimension, his restricted time on the ice mixed with Stolarz’s dominance has solid some doubt on Woll’s grasp on the beginning function.
The Last Preseason Sport Issues: Is It a Decisive Second?
Woll expects to play your complete remaining preseason sport at residence towards Detroit on Saturday evening. The common season is quick approaching. Woll’s begin may decide who begins within the web for the Maple Leafs’ season opener. If Woll struggles, given Stolarz’s robust kind, there’s an actual risk that head coach Craig Berube would possibly decide to experience the new hand and provides Stolarz the begin to kick off the season.
At present, Woll continues to be doubtless seen because the long-term possibility in aim. Nevertheless, Stolarz’s preseason efficiency has proven the Maple Leafs that they’ve a succesful various. If Stolarz begins the season in web, it would add precious depth and suppleness to Toronto’s goaltending choices. That would profit the staff over a protracted season.
Because the preseason wraps up, all eyes shall be on how Woll performs below strain. Whether or not the Maple Leafs follow Woll as their starter or flip to Stolarz, the competitors has added an surprising twist to Toronto’s goaltending state of affairs heading into the 2023-24 season.
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