Toronto Maple Leafs fans have been taking some heat lately, and Joseph Woll’s recent comments might have added a little more fuel to the fire. After backstopping the Leafs to a 4-3 win over the Utah Hockey Club, Woll had some high praise for the Utah crowd.
“Really loud. Like, surprisingly loud for a first-year organization. It was awesome. It was one of the cooler environments I’ve played in. So, props to Utah,” Woll told reporters after the game.
Now, was that a subtle dig at Leafs Nation? Maybe. Maybe not. But let’s be real—Toronto fans haven’t exactly been known for deafening home atmospheres, especially in the pricey lower bowl at Scotiabank Arena.
Sure, the energy picks up when the Leafs play on the road against other Canadian teams, but home-ice advantage? That’s been debatable.
Leafs’ Playoff Goalie Dilemma: Is Stolarz the Clear Choice?
The Leafs are once again facing a classic problem—who gets the net when the playoffs begin? Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz have split starts all season, but with the postseason creeping up, Craig Berube has to make a decision. And if we’re looking at the numbers, that decision might not be as hard as some think.
Stolarz has been quietly putting up rock-solid stats, leading the team with a 2.34 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. Woll? Not bad, but his 2.78 GAA and .905 save percentage tell a different story. Consistency has been key, and Stolarz has provided more of it.
📊 An updated look at the Leafs team leaders as of 3/11/25: #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/M5tVb4X9Be
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) March 11, 2025
Sure, Woll has a bit more playoff experience, but Stolarz has been around a Stanley Cup-winning team—he knows what winning looks like. And let’s be real, Leafs fans don’t need another year of “what if” in the crease. Stolarz has earned the net, at least to start the playoffs.
Now, if things go sideways, there’s always Woll to fall back on. But the Leafs need stability heading into elimination rounds, and right now, the numbers (and logic) point to Stolarz. Let’s see if Berube trusts the stats—or rolls the dice.
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Easton Cowan is the new shining in the ace
While Woll was making noise in net, Easton Cowan has been making noise on the scoresheet. The Leafs’ top prospect has been absolutely lighting it up for the London Knights. After a tough World Juniors, Cowan returned to the OHL and decided to remind everyone why the Leafs refused to trade him at the deadline.
Six straight multi-point games? Check.
Back-to-back four-assist nights? Check.
One of the best players in the OHL? Big check.
With 27 goals and 63 points in 43 games, Cowan is proving the Leafs made the right call keeping him around while trading Fraser Minten. Next season, he’ll either be suiting up for the Leafs or the Marlies, but with the way he’s playing, it wouldn’t be shocking if he forced his way onto the NHL roster.
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So while Leafs fans might have mixed feelings about Woll’s comments, one thing is for sure—between his bounce-back performance and Cowan’s rise, there’s still plenty to be excited about in Toronto. Now, if only the home crowd could turn up the volume.