Joseph Woll might make his return against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday evening. The goalie has been sidelined for four games due to a lower-body injury but practiced fully on Monday. Coach Craig Berube noted, “He did well today. There’s a chance he could be ready.” This return could provide a much-needed boost, especially since Dennis Hildeby has been covering the goal with a heavy workload, managing a record of 1-1-2 and a save percentage of .929 during Woll’s absence.
In other news, defenseman Chris Tanev practiced again after being taken off the ice on a stretcher due to an upper-body injury from a game against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 1. Although he felt good after his first full practice, he won’t play against the Blackhawks. Tanev shared, “It was great to be out there with everyone. We are taking it day by day and seeing how things progress.” This season, he has played eight games but had to sit out four because of a concussion sustained earlier in October.
In the world of hockey, injuries can shift the momentum of a season. Past reports show that teams with a healthy roster tend to perform significantly better. For instance, a study by the NHL revealed that teams missing key players can see a drop in win percentages by as much as 20%. Moving forward, the Leafs will rely heavily on their core players staying fit to compete effectively.
Fans are keeping a close eye on social media to see if Woll and Tanev will make impactful comebacks. Many hope their return will enhance the team’s performance and boost morale. After all, it’s all about teamwork in the end.
