Woll played the first 40 minutes of the Maple Leafs’ most recent game against the Carolina Hurricanes, but appeared to make a save near the end of the second period. He was seen flexing his left leg and ultimately left the game with what the team called a lower-body injury. He had 22 saves on 23 shots when he left and was replaced by Dennis Hildeby, who stopped all nine shots he faced to help seal a 5–1 victory over the Hurricanes.
It is unknown how long Woll will be sidelined, but it would be a big loss if it involves a significant amount of time. Woll missed the first month and a half of the season due to a personal issue, returning at a time when the Leafs’ fold was in dire straits. In eight games since his return, he has a 4-3-1 record with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.30 and a save percentage (SV%) of .928.
The positive here is that Dennis Hildeby has been impressive in his limited performances at the NHL level this season, with a .919 SV% and a 2.86 GAA topping his 1-2-1 record. Akhtyamov, meanwhile, has had an up-and-down season with the Marlies, compiling a 7-5-1 record with a 3.04 GAA and an .896 SV%. He has yet to start an NHL game in his career, so it’s entirely possible he could make his debut soon, as the Leafs likely want to see what they have before looking for insurance via trade or waivers.
The Maple Leafs will host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night and hope to make it three straight wins for the first time this season.
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