If some Toronto Maple Leafs fans thought goaltender Joseph Woll was ready to return to action between the posts, they'll have to be patient.
At a press conference on Monday, Ontario team head coach Sheldon Keefe indicated that the 25-year-old goaltender is “really not close to a return to play.”
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On Jan. 24, the Pilot hoped to see his player practicing with the team after the All-Star break. Instead, the team is now aiming for a return to full training around mid-February. Only at this point can the organization determine his physical condition to take part in a game.
At the wrong time
Woll played his last game on December 7, a 4-3 win against the Senators in Ottawa. He left the ice with the help of two teammates 9:38 minutes before the end of the third period because of a sprained ankle.
“This is very unfortunate,” said the head coach after this meeting. He played so well. He gained momentum both this season and in his career. It’s a step backwards.”
The American indeed had good times as he even stole the number 1 goalkeeper position from Ilya Samsonov. Before the start of the current season, the athlete only had 11 duels in the National Hockey League.
In 15 matchups this season, including 13 starts, he has eight wins and maintained a goals-against average of 2.80 and an efficiency ratio of 0.919.
The Leafs host the New York Islanders on Monday night on TVA Sports. Samsonov, who is on a three-game winning streak, will take part in this clash.