The hockey mecca of the world has had a goaltending problem over the last few years, but it looks like they are going to have to deal with what they have.
Due to having Matt Murray on long-term injured reserve, and the rapid decline in the play of Ilya Samsonov, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a tandem featuring Joseph Woll and Martin Jones. Both goaltenders are very capable, but the question is, will they be good enough to help get the team over the hump in the playoffs.
Jones obviously has the pedigree, having led the San Jose Sharks to the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals, but he is not the same goaltender that he was seven years ago. He had a great start with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, before making a couple of solid starts after getting called up.
Woll is currently nursing a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in early December, but if he can come back at 100%, he has shown great potential in being a No. 1 goaltender. However, he is unproven in the postseason, with Toronto facing a “trial by fire” if they ride Woll into the postseason.
For the time being, Dennis Hildeby is playing the role of backup until further notice.
On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton gave his thoughts on if the duo will work out.
Carter Hutton: I think Martin Jones can be serviceable…he can be a stop-gap, but I don’t think he’s the guy that brings you to the Promise Land, where the Leafs want to go. My big concern in this whole situation, where’s Woll’s ankle going to be at? We just think Woll is going to come back, and get back to where he was, but an ankle injury is a horrible injury for a goalie.
You can watch the entire segment, and the full episode here…
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