Maple Leafs Quick Hits: Woll, Walls & a Wounded Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs stayed alive in Game 6 by grinding out their most structured win of the series. The 2-0 win wasn’t built on offense but on commitment. From Joseph Woll’s calm in the crease to a renewed physical edge, Toronto showed the maturity it lacked in past elimination games. Here are four quick hits as we head to Game 7.

Quick Hit One: Woll Brings the Calm for the Maple Leafs

Joseph Woll wasn’t just good — he was composed. His 21-save shutout wasn’t about flashy stops but rebound control and quiet confidence. It’s no stretch to say he was Toronto’s backbone in Game 6. And calm in a pressure-filled Game 7 gives his team a chance to win.

Quick Hit Two: Board Battles Are Everything

This series is no longer about star power but grit along the boards. Florida’s defense forces everything to the walls, and if the Maple Leafs can’t win those battles, they’ll be stuck in their zone. Expect Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube to challenge his wingers to be first to pucks, win races, and create separation under pressure.

Quick Hit Three: Matthews Delivers — Hurt or Not

He’s clearly not 100%, but Auston Matthews showed up when it counted. His first playoff goal beyond the first round couldn’t have come at a better time. Whether he’s fully healthy for Game 7 remains to be seen — but his will to play is not in doubt.

Quick Hit Four: The Marner Shift That Changed Tone

Forget the stat sheet — Mitch Marner’s assertive neutral zone rush past four Panthers might have shifted the energy more than any goal. It led to sustained zone time and finally looked urgent from Toronto’s most debated forward.