Craig Berube Explains Controversial Decision to Keep Joseph Woll on the Bench

Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs are taking on the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the first round of the NHL Playoffs.

With a 3-1 lead in the series, the Maple Leafs can finish things off tonight with a win, and they will have Anthony Stolarz in goal as he tries to make up for his lackluster performance in Game 4.

Heading into Game 5, many were curious whether or not Craig Berube would choose to go with Joseph Woll instead, however, he kept with Stolarz.

At morning skate this morning, Berube spoke with reporters where he gave his rationale behind all of this. Moreover, he was asked about being stuck on the bench and not getting playing time.

Berube was firm in his convictions, noting that his focus continues to be on Stolarz and that for now, he will remain the starting goaltender.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Joseph Woll finished with a goals-against average of 2.73 and a save percentage of .909.

Overall, these are solid numbers but they were nowhere close to Anthony Stolarz who was an absolute monster, especially towards the end of the NHL season.

Ultimately, this is going to be a fascinating storyline to follow, especially if the Maple Leafs end up losing to the Senators on Tuesday night.

If there is a goalie controversy heading into Game 6, then something is going to give and the Leafs fanbase will have no choice but to freak out a little.