NHL analyst hands truth to Maple Leafs coach for calling out Joseph Woll

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing growing criticism after their 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes , with focus now shifting from results to accountability. Goaltender Joseph Woll made 32 saves on 36 shots and kept Toronto in the game for long stretches. He struggled mainly in the second period, conceding three goals, including a penalty shot from Eric Robinson.

The overtime winner from Alexander Nikishin left little chance, coming off a precise shot. Still, speaking to the media after the game, head coach Craig Berube pointed to Woll, saying the team needed a key save in decisive moments. “Tonight in the end, I think, you know, I don’t think, I know we need a save,” Berube said.

“Like, you know, whether it’s the OT or it’s one of the breakaways, you know, you know, we just need a big save there. ” MORE: William Nylander urged to change mindset during Leafs’ rough stretch Despite that, the Leafs Nation analyst Zack Phillips pushed back strongly on Berube’s comments. He argued the issue runs far deeper than goaltending, pointing to the team’s defensive breakdowns.

“The thing that I strongly disagree with here on Berube, or I think it’s kind of unfair, just given how the team has played in front of the goaltenders and how Joseph Woll himself has played over the last little while…,” Phillips said. “You gave up chance after chance to this Carolina Hurricanes team, two of which included on your own power play, then you look at the penalty shot that’s given up. The pressure on Joseph Woll Phillips stressed that Woll has been under constant pressure due to poor defensive play.