Sports columnist deems Toronto Maple Leafs goaltenders' health 'more important' than Auston Matthews 

Hockey analyst and sports columnist Dev Feschuk said that the health of the Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltender is more important than that of captain Auston Matthews.

This season, the goaltending duo of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll has proven to be a reliable asset for the team, showcasing strong performances.

Additionally, Matt Murray has returned to the lineup, after nearly two years away from the crease due to injury.

During an appearance on TSN's "Overdrive" show, Feschuk emphasized that while the health of Auston Matthews and the defense is important, nothing is more vital to the team's success than the well-being of Stolarz and Woll.

"I don't care about Auston Matthews' health, that's important. Defense health, that's important. But nothing is more important to this team than the health of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll," Feschuk said.

(from 12:20 mark onwards)

Meanwhile, analyst Michael Destafano resisted the notion that goaltenders' health is more important than Matthews'. He argued that while both positions are crucial if given the choice to ensure the health of one player for the rest of the season, he would prioritize Matthews over the goalies.

In response, Dave Feschuk reiterated the significance of the goaltenders, pointing out that the teams manage to win playoff games as a result of better goaltending:

"You won two playoff games. You won two playoff games last Spring without Auston Matthews in the lineup. You could not win the biggest playoff game, in which Joseph Woll was hurt, okay, in Game 7, right? That, to me, says a lot.

"Okay, you can, you can overcome the loss of forward, defenseman, you cannot overcome the loss of both these goaltenders," Feschuk added.

(from 13:10 mark onwards)

Feschuk stressed that Stloarz and Woll have been essential to the team's achievement so far, and their health is critical as the team faces challenges moving into the Christmas season.

If both goalies remain healthy, they can help mask any weakness the team may be showing this season.

Anthony Stolarz has posted a 17-9-5 record with a 2.15 GAA and an SV% of .927. On the other hand, Woll has a record of 15-9-1 with a GAA of 2.61 and a .911 SV% this season.

How has Auston Matthews fared for the Leafs this season?

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Dallas Stars - Source: Imagn

Despite missing games due to an injury, Auston Matthews has been in fine form for the Leafs this season, being the club's fourth-leading scorer. This term. Matthews has racked up 23 points through 11 goals and 12 assists in 24 games.

Meanwhile, with a 21-12-2 record, the Toronto Maple Leafs sit second in the Atlantic Division. Auston Matthews and the Leafs will hit the ice after the holiday period against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.