Maple Leafs coach shifts tone on Joseph Woll after recent criticism
The Toronto Maple Leafs saw a shift in tone from head coach Craig Berube after their latest defeat, this time backing goaltender Joseph Woll following earlier criticism. Woll made 33 saves in a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, keeping the score respectable despite a poor team display.
Only Jake McCabe scored for Toronto, and Berube did not hold back after the game. “We had one player show up tonight, and that was our goalie,” Berube said. “That’s really what it boils down to.
” MORE: Chris Pronger warns Maple Leafs with ‘going in the wrong direction’ message The remark marked a clear contrast from earlier this month when the coach questioned Woll’s ability to make key saves in big moments. That earlier criticism came after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes , where Berube pointed to the need for a decisive stop late in the game. Woll had made 32 saves that night but allowed four goals, including an overtime winner.
“Tonight in the end, I think, you know, I don’t think, I know we need a save,” Berube said after the loss to the Hurricanes. “Like, you know, whether it’s the OT or it’s one of the breakaways, you know, we just need a big save there. ” The message then was direct.
And now, Berube has shifted his tone on Woll. MORE: NHL analyst hands truth to Maple Leafs coach for calling out Joseph Woll Maple Leafs and Woll are going through a difficult 2025-26 NHL season Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) defends the net against the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center.