Photo credit: The Globe and Mail
Ex-Leaf Curtis Joseph pumps Joseph Woll's tires ahead of Game 7
Former Maple Leafs netminder Curtis Joseph shared his thoughts on young Leaf Joseph Woll on Friday, ahead of an all-important Game 7 on Saturday night.
When you mention the name "Curtis Joseph" around any Leafs fan who was able to watch him play in Toronto, odds are they're probably going to light up and share some of their favourite CuJo moments with you.CuJo was the most beloved Leafs netminder since Felix Potvin, so when he talks about the Leafs' current goaltender, you're certainly going to want to listen and take in what he's saying. Joseph revealed himself to be a real fan of Joseph Woll's game on Friday during an appearance on TSN 1050's OverDrive.
"This is a goalie that we all got excited about during the season, that was extremely hot and could make saves that nobody else could make. The high-ankle sprain is a hard one to come back from. He looks like he's good. He's in a good zone. I really like the way he plays. He's very calm and confident."
Joseph has been keeping a close eye on the Maple Leafs throughout their series against the Boston Bruins and as a playoff performer in his era, CuJo has a keen eye for guys who have the clutch gene, like he did. Judging from his comments, he believes Joseph Woll has that as well, referencing this glove save from Game 6 in the 3rd period to keep the Leafs ahead in the game.
"I always liked the playoffs because you had time for nothing else. It's just a game every other day, so when you got in the zone, you could kind of stay in the zone without distractions. It was ultra-focus. So, I think [Woll] is on that wavelength, which is really nice. He's going to take it the same way and his concentration and focus just seems like it's at an all-time high and that's what you need.
As a goaltender, you can't make a mistake. You have to expect a 1-0 game, a 2-1 game. Something like that, and that save he made [on Thursday], the glove save, was the difference. To me, he won the hockey game on that save. It's going to be a 1-goal game, so you have to minimize your mistakes. You almost have to play perfectly, and concentration is paramount."
As a goaltender, you can't make a mistake. You have to expect a 1-0 game, a 2-1 game. Something like that, and that save he made [on Thursday], the glove save, was the difference. To me, he won the hockey game on that save. It's going to be a 1-goal game, so you have to minimize your mistakes. You almost have to play perfectly, and concentration is paramount."
Among the things he likes the most about Woll's game, CuJo believes that Woll is very strong down low and takes away a lot of the lower part of the net, which is vital in the playoffs, where there tend to be a lot more of those "garbage goals".
"The other thing about Woll, he's very good down low. If they can't get [the puck] up, or there's a guy on 'em, [Woll] is going to make those saves, so I like where they're at right now."
Game 7 is slated to take place tonight in Boston and the Leafs will require another strong performance from Woll if they want to come all the way back from a 3-1 series deficit to punch their ticket to Round 2 to meet Florida. Let's hope he's up to the task. By the looks of things, CuJo believes he is.
| POLL | ||
May 4 | 424 answers Ex-Leaf Curtis Joseph pumps Joseph Woll's tires ahead of Game 7 Is Curtis Joseph your favourite Leafs goalie of all-time? | ||
| Yes, no question | 194 | 45.8 % |
| I liked Potvin more | 78 | 18.4 % |
| Belfour was my guy | 37 | 8.7 % |
| My favourite isn't listed here | 115 | 27.1 % |
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