TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs are turning to Joseph Woll for Game 2 of their second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night, May 8, 2025. Woll, a 26-year-old goaltender, will step in for Anthony Stolarz, who left Game 1 after suffering a hit to the head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
Stolarz, who had been a key player for the Leafs, did not participate in the morning skate on Wednesday, indicating that he will not dress for the game. Coach Craig Berube confirmed that Stolarz is recovering but did not provide a timeline for his return. "He’s fine. He’s recovering," Berube said, emphasizing the team's cautious approach regarding Stolarz's health.
Woll's playoff experience is noteworthy; he enters this game as the fifth career playoff start for him. He previously played in the postseason last year, stopping 22 of 23 shots in a crucial Game 6 against the Boston Bruins. This time, he faces a formidable challenge as he tries to keep the Panthers at bay, who are eager to even the series after losing 5-4 in the opener.
In Game 1, the Leafs displayed their best early-season hockey, taking a commanding 4-1 lead before the Panthers mounted a comeback, scoring three goals in the third period. Woll, who came off the bench to replace Stolarz, managed to stop 17 of 20 shots, helping Toronto secure the win. "He’s mentally very resilient, very strong," said Leafs captain Auston Matthews. "Nothing really necessarily gets to him."
Matt Murray, a veteran goaltender and two-time Stanley Cup winner, will serve as Woll’s backup. Murray's experience is crucial, especially given the pressure of playoff hockey. "Experience, I think, more than anything," Berube noted regarding the decision to choose Murray over rookie Dennis Hildeby.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are bolstered by the return of defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who has served a two-game suspension for a headshot on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel. Ekblad, the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, expressed remorse over the incident, stating, "I was aiming for his chest and I caught him in the chin. I’m never out to hurt anybody on the ice. It’s unfortunate the way that the outcome happened."
The Leafs are looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and take a 2-0 lead in the series. The team has not won the opening games of the first two rounds of the playoffs since 2001, making this moment even more significant. The combination of Woll's solid performance and the team's offensive firepower could be pivotal in determining the outcome of Game 2.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Woll. The young goaltender has a .910 save percentage across 78 regular-season games, but his playoff stats are even more impressive, boasting a .950 save percentage after stopping 113 of 119 shots in four previous playoff starts. The Leafs will rely heavily on him to maintain their momentum against a hungry Panthers team.
Toronto's lineup remains unchanged except for Woll stepping in for Stolarz. The Leafs' second line, featuring Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and William Nylander, has been particularly effective, contributing four goals without allowing any against since being paired together. This trio will be crucial in ensuring the Leafs can maintain their offensive pressure against a Panthers team looking to regroup.
However, the atmosphere in Toronto will be charged, especially following the controversial hit by Bennett on Stolarz. Leafs players have expressed their desire to focus on winning rather than seeking retribution for the hit. Forward Scott Laughton emphasized the need to channel their energy into playing their game, stating, "Win. That’s how you get them. Play them the same way — physical. At the end of the day, it’s about winning and punishing them that way."
The stakes are high as the Leafs look to build on their Game 1 victory and take control of the series. The Panthers, under coach Paul Maurice, will aim to adjust after a shaky start in Game 1. Maurice noted, "It was the perfect storm of, ‘That’s not the way you want to start,’ when everyone has lots of energy and jump. There is a tension to it at the start. That was our first period. We didn’t look like ourselves."
With both teams ready to battle it out, Game 2 promises to be a thrilling contest. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can expect an intense showdown as the Maple Leafs and Panthers vie for crucial playoff momentum. The atmosphere in Scotiabank Arena will surely reflect the high stakes, with fans eager to support their team and witness another exciting playoff chapter.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on Woll and how he handles the pressure of starting in a pivotal playoff game. With the support of his teammates and the home crowd behind him, he has the potential to shine and lead the Leafs to victory once again.
