The Toronto Maple Leafs took home a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks at home on the backs of Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and Joseph Woll.
The only negative to take away from that headline, the magnitude of which is unknown, is that Woll was never supposed to be in the game. Anthony Stolarz started his second game in a row following one of if not his best start of the season Tuesday against New Jersey, where he stopped 38 of 39 shots for the win. He had seven stops on eight shots after the first 20 minutes but was relieved by Joseph Woll for the second period and didn’t return.
It’s unknown what the severity of the injury is or how it happened, but the Maple Leafs revealed that it was a lower-body injury. While the two points are valuable and should be celebrated, the team and fans will be on the edge of their seat until it’s known how much time Stolarz will miss, if any. The 30-year-old has arguably been the team’s MVP to start the season, with a record of 9-5-2 complemented by a .927 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.15 goals-against average (GAA), both of which rank top five in their respective categories.
On a brighter note, the Maple Leafs’ second line of Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and William Nylander channelled some of their early-season energy and carried the team’s offence tonight. The former led the way with two goals and an assist, while Tavares picked up two assists and Nylander the other goal. It was Pacioretty’s first goal since returning to the lineup following an injury that kept him out of the lineup for a little under a month, bringing him to four goals and nine points in 16 games on the season. He’s provided excellent value for the money he signed for and has spoken fondly about playing alongside Tavares, who shares a similar style of game.
The Maple Leafs will be back in action on Saturday night when they host the Detroit Red Wings.