Toronto Maple Leafs Force Game 7 with Joseph Woll’s Stunning Shutout
The Toronto Maple Leafs have kept their Stanley Cup hopes alive in dramatic fashion. In a must-win Game 6 against the Florida Panthers, the Leafs secured a crucial 2-0 victory to level the second-round playoff series at 3-3. The star of the night was goaltender Joseph Woll, whose flawless performance between the pipes has given Toronto a shot at redemption in the upcoming Game 7.
It’s been nearly six decades since the Maple Leafs last lifted the Stanley Cup, with their last triumph coming in 1967. This year, however, the team has shown renewed determination. After eliminating their fierce rivals, the Ottawa Senators, in the first round, the Leafs found themselves battling to stay alive against Florida. Thanks to Woll’s heroics, their title pursuit isn’t over yet.
Joseph Woll is the first Leafs goaltender to post a shutout in a game when facing elimination since Curtis Joseph in Game 5 of the 2002 conference finals.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 17, 2025
Woll was unshakable throughout the night, making 22 critical saves at the Amerant Bank Arena and ensuring the Panthers couldn’t find the back of the net. His efforts earned praise from analysts and fans alike. One notable highlight came from a senior writer at The Athletic, who pointed out that Woll is the first Leafs goalie to record a shutout in an elimination game since Curtis Joseph did it during Game 5 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals.
That 2002 game saw the Leafs on the brink of elimination after dropping three straight to the Carolina Hurricanes. Joseph’s shutout in Game 5 extended the series, though Toronto ultimately fell in Game 6. Woll’s performance now places him in elite company and marks one of the most impressive displays by a Leafs netminder in a high-pressure situation.
As the Maple Leafs prepare for the decisive Game 7, fans are hopeful that Woll’s momentum and the team’s renewed spirit can finally put an end to the franchise’s long championship drought.