McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 13 – Joseph Woll vs. the New York Rangers

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Apr. 13, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Woll is having quite a year. He was an AHL All-Star in the first half of the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Marlies, and now he’s 5-1-0 with the Maple Leafs. And there is all kinds of uncertainty in goal for Toronto: a big game against the Rangers would go a long way for Woll.

What to watch for:

With Maple Leafs No.1 goaltender Ilya Samsonov sidelined with injury, could tonight’s game be a Stanley Cup playoff audition for Joseph Woll? Maybe. I suspect Samsonov will be ready to go for Game 1. But with Toronto’s Matt Murray still recovering from a concussion, there are no guarantees in the Maple Leafs crease for their first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

What I love about Woll is how he’s able to take feedback and immediately implement changes. His intelligence allows him to process the game at a very high level. And Woll has the technical chops to go along with it. His .933 save percentage this season is impressive, but what really put Woll on the map was his last outing against the Lightning. The netminder from St. Louis, MO stopped 45 of 48 shots in a 4-3 victory this past Tuesday, including several dandies in the closing seconds. Statement game personified.

Tonight Woll goes up against the dynamic offense of the Rangers. It’ll be his second start in a row against a top contender in the Eastern Conference.

What fantasy owners should do:

Woll would be an ideal pickup for a keeper league if your team hasn’t already done so. I think he’s going to make the big club in Toronto next year and never look back. His upside is mega.

Bottom line for Joseph Woll:

He’s passed the test so far. Every quality game he plays moves him closer to earning a full-time gig with the Maple Leafs next season. He’s ready for the NHL.