Tavares credits Woll’s stellar Game 4, says Maple Leafs need offensive bounce back after shutout loss

The Toronto Maple Leafs return home Wednesday night for Game 5 tied 2-2 with the Florida Panthers in their second-round showdown.

Goaltending has been one of the stories of the series so far, with Leafs starter Anthony Stolarz leaving midway through Game 1, passing his place in between the pipes to Joseph Woll. Toronto’s backup had a shaky start through his first three appearances, but locked in for Game 4, where he displayed the confidence and swagger he’s shown in postseasons past.

On the other end of the ice, Stanley Cup and two-time Vezina-winning netminder Sergei Bobrovsky had a mediocre start of his own, but also came ready to play last Sunday, posting his second shutout of the playoffs.

In the wake of Game 4’s battle of the goaltenders, both unquestionably playing their best hockey of the series so far in the tight 2-0 affair, it remains to be seen who will step up to the task Wednesday night for Game 5, as both groups come in hungry for the series lead. For Toronto’s netminder, that will mean needing some offensive action from the group in front of him compared to the last game, which John Tavares spoke about after an optional skate Wednesday morning.

“I think Joe’s been great since he’s come in,” Tavares said. “Certainly gave us a great chance to get a win. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to put any home for him. On us to go out there and provide some support, and for him to continue what he’s been doing all game and throughout the series.”

Last Sunday was the second time the Leafs were shut out this postseason, averaging just over four goals a game outside those two blank efforts. Now returning home, they’ll be relying on their offensive superstars, along with key depth pieces, to step up and get creative on the attack to get back on track.

“I think we just enjoy being at home,” Tavares said. “Tremendous fanbase and energy that they provide.”

That being said, Leafs fans won’t soon forget that the other shutout they faced this postseason came in Game 5 last series, at home. And while Toronto has fared better at home in their other contests these playoffs, all but one have been decided by just one goal.

As we’ve seen many times through many Leafs playoff runs, tonight is another test of whether they can rise to the occasion. If Bobrovsky keeps up his peak form, can Woll respond with the same? And if Woll plays lights out once again, can the group in front of him bounce back offensively and reclaim their series lead?