Although the Nashville Predators loaded up on offense this offseason, the club has struggled to find any rhythm upfront. Through 27 games played, the Predators are tied for last in goals for (60) with the Anaheim Ducks. Despite that, their luck shifted on Wednesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In the opening period, it was the Predators that struck first – unconventionally. Forward Jonathan Marchessault shot the puck into the Maple Leafs’ zone from center ice, with the puck taking a bizarre bounce off the glass and into the crease where he essentially buried a pass to himself.
Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll didn’t have a clue or much of any chance at putting up a fight to stop the chance, resulting in a 1-0 lead for the Predators.
“I was kind of laughing,” Woll said postgame. “Not really sure what to do and didn’t really see it. So, I think at that point, just bad bounces happen and I’d rather laugh it off than be sour about it. It was good, got past it.”
Woll indeed moved past it, allowing just one more goal as the Maple Leafs secured a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory, 3-2 at Scotiabank Arena. It was another stellar performance for the 26-year-old netminder, who earned his sixth straight victory as a starter. Over his last four home games, Woll has posted a perfect 4-0-0-0 record, conceding only four goals.
A Dynamic Goaltending Duo has Brewed
When the Leafs signed Anthony Stolarz to a two-year, $6 million deal on July 1, questions swirled about how the new tandem of Woll and Stolarz would fare. Both goaltenders faced scrutiny about their durability and consistency. Yet, just a few months into the season, they’ve formed one of the NHL’s most formidable partnerships.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s great to have two guys that are playing well and he’s a great dude,” Woll said of his relationship with Stolarz. “I enjoy having him as a goalie partner and we’re both very positive to each other which I think is all you can do. Like I’ve said this whole time, we’re on the same team, we’re trying to win and I think we’re both doing a good job of that.”
Stolarz, who took on the starting role while Woll began the season recovering from injury, has been just as reliable. In 14 games, he’s compiled an 8-4-2 record, a .924 save percentage, and a 2.23 goals-against average. Woll, meanwhile, has been nearly unbeatable since his return, holding a 7-2-0 record, boasting a .922 save percentage, and a 2.11 GAA in nine games.
Toronto’s recent success owes much to its goaltenders. The team has won seven of its last eight games, climbing to the top of the Atlantic Division alongside the Florida Panthers. With two games in hand over their division rivals, the Leafs can take sole possession of first place as they prepare to host the Washington Capitals on Friday night.
