Craig Berube's goaltending call is key to Maple Leafs revival

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going through a rough stretch that includes a four-game losing streak amid issues with a fragile defense in transitions and coverage.

Goaltender Anthony Stolarz has carried the workload and got injured against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, a game in which he did not play at a high level. Dennis Hildeby is Craig Berube's alternative, but he does not have sustained experience in the NHL.

Joseph Woll, after being absent and then going through a brief AHL conditioning stint, could return at any moment. For the game against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, Berube decided to line up Hildeby.

The 24-year-old goalie had a good game against the Kings, stopping 33 of 37 shots. Even so, making him the starter immediately could imply a risk-management mistake. His experience at the highest level remains limited, and pushing him into several important consecutive games could do more harm than good. Although, of course, he has made it clear that he is ready when he is needed.

Why Joseph Woll must be the starter for the Maple Leafs right now

Lining up Woll as a starter is the way to go. It is the best way to improve the goaltending situation and reduce the external noise, allowing the team to recover its defensive composure while waiting for Stolarz to be fit again.

Woll is a goalie with a strong mentality, in addition to having good composure after mistakes. His profile reduces avoidable goals and offers the timely saves that Toronto needs when the rush defense breaks down.

Berube should choose to line up Woll as a starter in the short term, with Stolarz in tandem when he returns healthy, avoiding consecutive back-to-backs for Woll in the first week.

The tactical adjustment that could work would be more layers in the neutral zone and first safe touches to decrease high danger chances from the rush. The Maple Leafs will need to clear the boards so that Woll sees the shots.

If the 27-year-old goalie does not perform, Berube would have nonetheless established a psychological and competitive reset. Meanwhile, Stolarz would return to his natural tandem role as soon as he is healthy, avoiding overuse.