"Leafs season is over" " this team is so cooked”: NHL fans react as Toronto places goaltender Joseph Woll on Injured Reserve

Anthony Stolarz will man the crease for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Opening Night after Joseph Woll was placed on injured reserve, Leafs insider Mark Masters reports. Masters tweeted information from Leafs’ coach Craig Berube, confirming that Woll is dealing with a lower-body issue.

While there is no further information at this time, Berube confirmed Stolarz will start against the Montreal Canadiens.

While injuries are a part of the NHL, fans have taken to social media to express their concerns about Joseph Woll’s injury situation. Here’s a look at some choice comments:

“Lol this team is so cooked already,” one fan said.

“That was faster than expected,” another fan said.

“Leafs season is over,” one fan said.

However, not all comments focused on the negative side of things. Some fans took advantage of the opportunity to show support for Anthony Stolarz. Here’s what these fans had to say:

“Stolarz time baby!” a fan said.

“Just make it Stolarz and Hildabeast, please for the love of God,” another fan said.

“Stolarz carry time,” a fan said.

The Leafs' fans hope that Anthony Stolarz can carry the load in Joseph Woll’s absence. Meanwhile, the talented forward group and solid defense corps will need to play a structured game in front of Stolarz to ensure a victory on Opening Night.

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Joseph Woll’s placement on IR precautionary

Berube addressed Joseph Woll’s injury situation, stating per ESPN:

“It’s precautionary. So, we’re going to keep him out tonight.”

Berube added:

“We’ll see tomorrow.”

Berube’s cryptic messaging seems more related to a lack of information on the injury’s nature than reluctance to address the issue.

Additionally, Berube did not confirm or deny if Joseph Woll would be available for the team’s next game against the New Jersey Devils.

It’s worth noting that this situation is not the first time Woll suddenly leaves with injury. During last year’s first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins, Woll was sidelined with an injury ahead of Game 7, forcing the Leafs to start Ilya Samsonov in his place.

Fortunately, the Leafs feel confident in having Stolarz take over. Captain Auston Matthews stated:

“He’s a really smart goalie.”

Matthews’ comments refer to Stolarz’s ability to read plays and cut down on shooting angles. With that sort of endorsement, the Leafs will look to play a confident game in front of Stolarz.

Stolarz will get his first test of the season against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night at the Bell Centre. Both clubs will be looking to get the season started on the right foot.