Leafs-Panthers: Anthony Stolarz’s streak looks over (and Joseph Woll will have to be better)

The Leafs ‘ #1 goalie didn’t even make the trip to Florida, and this morning we learned from Craig Berube that Stolarz hasn’t even started skating yet.

So, according to Joshua Kloke (The Athletic), Stolarz’s streak appears to be over. The chances of seeing him again against the Panthers “are starting to look slim”.

Obviously, this isn’t ideal for the Maple Leafs, who would certainly have preferred to retain the services of their starting goalie. But it also means that we now need Joseph Woll, who was in net for the last two games of the series, to step up.

Because if the Leafs are to win, Woll will have to be better than he was yesterday. Finishing a game with an efficiency rate above .900 would be no luxury, let’s say.

Yesterday, Woll looked weak in front of some of the Panthers’ shots (the overtime goal was particularly ordinary), but we’re still talking about a goalie who’s had some good times in the NHL. If he can’t regain his confidence soon, the guys in front of him will start to feel it… and the repeated playoff failures of recent years may come back to haunt them.

But for now, the Leafs need to focus on the fact that they still lead the series 2-1 and that now is not the time to feel sorry for themselves… even if it is frustrating to see that Bennett wasn’t punished for an action that could cost the team’s #1 goalie the entire series.

Overtime

– NHL schedule for the evening.

– Can the Jets believe it?

– Bobby Orr’s famous goal is 55 years old today.

– There are some great names on this list.

– Derek Carr announces his retirement. His shoulder is seriously banged up.

– Too bad.