Joseph Woll Delivers Stellar Performance in Maple Leafs' Narrow Defeat
In a hard-fought NHL matchup on March 14, 2026, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll turned heads with a standout performance, making 30 saves against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Despite his efforts, the Sabres secured a 3-2 victory in a shootout, with Jack Quinn netting the decisive goal. Woll's highlight of the night was a spectacular glove save on Josh Norris during overtime, underscoring his sharpness between the pipes.
Woll's Consistent Play Earns Praise from Coach Berube
This game marked Woll's third consecutive start, a testament to his growing role in the team's lineup. Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed confidence in the 27-year-old netminder, noting, "Looking at his game, he's been sharp. I've liked his game. I just want to see him play some games in a row here and see where he's at. I think it's a good time to do that." As the Leafs navigate a challenging 2025-26 season, Woll's contributions are providing a silver lining, ensuring the final weeks are not without purpose.
Team Struggles and Travel Woes Loom Large
The Maple Leafs initially showed passion in their first game without captain Auston Matthews, who was sidelined for the season after a hit from Anaheim's Radko Gudas. However, their energy dwindled, resulting in just two shots on goal in the third period—tying their lowest shot total in any period this season. Compounding their challenges, the team faces travel uncertainties to St. Paul, Minnesota, for a Sunday game against the Minnesota Wild, as the Twin Cities area is under a blizzard warning.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The match saw both teams trade goals in the first two periods, with the Sabres opening the scoring early through Owen Power. Max Domi, playing in his 800th NHL game, scored his 10th goal of the season to give the Leafs a brief lead, assisted by William Nylander's 40th assist of the year. The Sabres tied it up on a power-play goal by Quinn, and the game remained deadlocked until the shootout. Notably, the Sabres' home crowd was notably louder than in recent visits, reflecting their playoff aspirations for the first time since 2011.
Looking Ahead for the Maple Leafs
As the Leafs prepare for their next contest, Woll's performance offers a glimmer of hope in a season marked by setbacks. With travel disruptions and roster adjustments, the team must regroup quickly to finish the campaign on a positive note. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Woll can maintain his impressive form in the coming games.
