Joseph Woll continues to make his case as a key piece in the Maple Leafs’ goaltending tandem. Fresh off a 4-3 overtime win against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche, Woll was sharp between the pipes, turning aside 31 shots and giving Toronto the kind of backbone performance that can shift momentum in a season. Now 11-4-2 with a .920 save percentage through 18 appearances, the 27-year-old is showing the poise and consistency the Leafs have long hoped to find in their crease.
There’s still some uncertainty surrounding the lineup ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Golden Knights, particularly when it comes to Matthew Knies. The 21-year-old forward missed the morning skate and hasn’t registered a point in his last four games, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Knies has 12 goals and 38 points in 43 games this season, and his ability to drive play through the middle of the ice remains a key asset. Head coach Craig Berube praised Knies for his assertiveness, noting how he’s “demanding the puck in the middle” and using his size and speed to cut through defenders.
If Knies is cleared to play, expect him to slot back onto the top line with Auston Matthews and Max Domi. If not, Bobby McMann-who skated with Matthews and Domi during the morning session-would likely fill that role.
Nick Robertson, meanwhile, looks ready to return after missing Tuesday’s game against Utah with a lower-body injury. He took a shot off the leg in Monday’s game but was back on the ice this morning, skating on a line with Easton Cowan and Nicolas Roy. That third line could be an intriguing one, especially with Roy making his return to Vegas.
Roy, of course, was part of the Mitch Marner trade and brings championship pedigree to Toronto’s bottom six. He helped the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup in 2023, contributing three goals and 11 points in 22 playoff games during that run. Tonight marks his first game back in Vegas since the trade, and while the spotlight won’t be as bright as it was during that Cup run, don’t be surprised if Roy brings a little extra edge to this one.
Here’s how the Leafs are expected to line up against the Golden Knights:
Forwards:
- Bobby McMann - Auston Matthews - Max Domi
- Matias Maccelli - John Tavares - William Nylander
- Easton Cowan - Nicolas Roy - Nick Robertson
- Steven Lorentz - Scott Laughton - Calle Jarnkrok
Defense:
- Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo
- Jake McCabe - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- Simon Benoit - Troy Stecher
Goaltenders:
- Joseph Woll (projected starter)
- Dennis Hildeby
- Anthony Stolarz
With Woll in net and the team starting to settle into its new-look lineup post-trade, the Leafs are looking to build some midseason momentum. Tonight’s game in Vegas offers more than just two points-it’s a chance to test their depth, see how the new pieces are fitting, and maybe send a message to the rest of the league that this version of the Maple Leafs is starting to click.