logo
The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Joseph Woll commends Maple Leafs’ defensive game despite overtime loss to Red Wings
alt
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Jan 22, 2026, 09:30 ESTUpdated: Jan 22, 2026, 09:26 EST
Comments
The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped their second straight game on home ice, losing 2-1 in overtime to the Detroit Red Wings. The loss resulted in the Red Wings completing the regular season series sweep over the Maple Leafs. It was a stronger effort than Monday night’s game, which saw them fall to the Minnesota Wild 6-3. The tight-checking, low-scoring affair resembled much of the style of play that teams play in the postseason. 
“It was a good match and I think both teams played really well, a tight game with an almost playoff-type feel,” Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll said. “It comes down to a goal in overtime, I thought we played a really good game, really strong defensively.” 
Woll turned aside 39-of-41 shots, bouncing back after two starts in a row that saw the 27-year-old allow six goals against the Vegas Golden Knights last Thursday and five goals against the Wild before being pulled to start the third period on Monday. 
“I just got back to my process, got back in and did my best to stay in the moment,” Woll said. “I thought our guys did a really good job at making things predictable and coming up with some big blocks.”
The Maple Leafs’ defensive core took another blow on Wednesday night, losing Oliver Ekman-Larsson early in the first period, after the defenceman played only 1:50 in the game. Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe played a game-high 28:09 in the loss. 
“I think the guys stepped up on defence, I have full trust whoever is in the lineup, I think we have unbelievable defence up and down the lineup,” Woll said. “I can’t speak enough about them, I think they did a really great job tonight.” 
The Red Wings roster has continued to improve over the years, seeing the team work their way from the basement of the National Hockey League to a playoff contender. A big reason for that has been the play of Patrick Kane, who currently is in his third season with the Red Wings and recently joined the 500-goal club. 
“I think the first time you play guys like that in your career it’s pretty special, he’s a legend and someone I looked up to even as a goalie,” Woll said of Kane. “It’s a little surreal playing him, but as you play him more and more, it becomes more normal.”
The Maple Leafs will continue their current five-game home stand on Friday against the Golden Knights, a matchup that will see former Maple Leaf Mitch Marner make his return to Toronto. 
“He’s been a special player for this team for a long time, and a big presence in the community as well, not just with hockey,” Woll said of Marner’s return. “I hope it’s a warm welcome. I know he has nothing but good memories here, and I know the fans have experienced a lot of good memories with him as well.”
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. 

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER

Introducing Off The Roster—Toronto Sports, Unfiltered! Toronto sports fans, your new favourite conversation has arrived. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, Off The Roster dives into the city’s legendary plays, brutal trades, OG jerseys, celebrity tweets, and everything in between. Raw, fun, and totally unfiltered, this is Toronto sports like you’ve never heard it before. Tune in live every weekday morning on the Nation Network YouTube channel, or catch episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Proudly brought to you by our founding partner, PROLINE. Off The Roster—the new sound in the 6ix.
News
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News