Joseph Woll Starts For Maple Leafs Against Senators, Anthony Stolarz Joins Club On The Road In Ottawa, Goaltender Nearing Return?

KANATA, Ont. — The Toronto Maple Leafs will start Joseph Woll in goal when the club visits the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday. Matt Murray, who was called up by the Leafs a couple of days prior, is expected to back him up.

But Anthony Stolarz did accompany the team on the one-game road trip to get in some extra work. It’s another positive step in the goaltender’s recovery from a knee procedure in December to remove a loose body in his knee.

One day before the trip, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed optimism in the goaltender’s recovery.

“We’re going to have to see him more and get him in full practices, but, again, he’s doing well and he’s in a good spot right now,” Berube said. Maybe a little ahead of schedule, I’m not sure exactly on that, but I don’t think it’s going to be a whole lot longer.”

Related: Maple Leafs Injury Updates: Anthony Stolarz Won’t Be Out ‘A Whole Lot Longer’, Matthew Knies’ Timeline Remains Unknown

With reports circulating that Stolarz could be approximately a week away from returning, the Leafs also have the benefit of a very light schedule ahead. Following the game against the Senators, they do not play again until Wednesday at home against the Minnesota Wild before embarking on a four-game road trip that begins in Edmonton on Saturday against the Oilers.

The 6-foot-6 Stolarz boasts a career record of 52-36-11, a 2.61 goals against average and a .916 save percentage in 125 NHL games. He signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Leafs last summer.

Related: Report: Maple Leafs Sign Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to Four-Year, $14 Million Contract; Add Goaltender Anthony Stolarz on Two-Year, $5 Million Deal

While initially slated to split duties with Woll, Stolarz quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, exceeding expectations and solidifying his presence in the Leafs’ net, posting a 9-5-2 record and a .927 save percentage. He was heavily relied upon early in the season as Woll missed the first few weeks of the season due to groin tightness.

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