"On paper, the Maple Leafs have a solid tandem. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll could handle the workload throughout the season. While Stolarz has a Stanley Cup ring, he wasn't much of a factor in the Florida Panthers' 2024 Cup run. But that doesn't mean he's not accustomed to the grind that comes with going all the way to a championship."
"That being said, neither Stolarz nor Woll has the experience of being "the guy" come playoff time. Stolarz was on his way to becoming that "guy" if not for Sam Bennett's elbow in Game 1 of last year's second-round series. This time around, there isn't much doubt about what the Leafs have in the crease. The only question mark that does remain is whether the current tandem will be enough come playoff time."
"The short answer is we don't know. We won't know until the Leafs get back to the postseason and roll with Stolarz or Woll. The long answer is that last season's ending proves the Leafs have a decent tandem, but not enough to get past a championship-caliber team. Since neither Stolarz nor Woll is a bona fide starting goaltender at this point, the Maple Leafs will need to get career years out of one or both."
Goaltending represents the most precarious spot on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster for 2025-26. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll form a capable tandem on paper capable of handling a full season's workload. Stolarz carries a Stanley Cup ring but played a limited role in Florida's 2024 run; he has playoff experience but lacks an established track record as the clear starting playoff goaltender. Neither Stolarz nor Woll yet possesses sustained experience as 'the guy' in postseason pressure. The Leafs require career-best seasons from one or both netminders—higher games played and improved statistics—to realistically overcome championship-caliber opponents like the Panthers or Lightning.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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