Craig Berube wants Joseph Woll to be more direct moving the puck

Woll has been sprung into action after Anthony Stolarz suffered an upper-body injury in Game 1. Stolarz has yet to resume skating, and so far, there hasn’t been much about a timeline for his return. Woll has managed to grind out a 2-1 series lead with his Maple Leafs’ teammates, even though he hasn’t necessarily been at the top of his game. The 26-year-old goaltender has posted save percentages of .850, .893, and .861 through the first three games of the second-round series, a far cry from his .909 he registered through 42 appearances in the regular season.

While Woll had his moments playing the puck in Game 3’s overtime loss, Matthew Knies doesn’t feel all the blame should be put on his goaltender’s shoulders.

“He does a fine job with moving the puck,” Knies said. “I think everyone just needs to communicate a little bit better.”

With the Maple Leafs dressing the same defencemen for quite some time now, the group should, and needs to be more in-sync when it comes to moving the puck, and alleviating pressure in the defensive zone.

The Maple Leafs and Panthers are set for Game 4 on Sunday night. Look for Florida to get pucks in deep to try and get Woll out of his net, and handling the puck, meanwhile, expect to see a more direct Maple Leafs’ netminder, who will be called upon to make quick, assertive decisions with the puck.