While the Toronto Maple Leafs have made do without their preferred choices between the pipes, a return to health may serve as relief amid a tough stretch.
Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll could return Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks, head coach Craig Berube told reporters after practice on Monday.
However, injured defenceman Chris Tanev will not suit up for the showdown despite being a full participant at Monday’s practice. He hasn’t been ruled out to return before Christmas, though, calling it a “very fluid situation.”
Woll has been out since Dec. 4 after suffering a lower-body injury against the Carolina Hurricanes. He was pulled after two periods and replaced by Dennis Hildeby in the 5-1 win.
The 27-year-old was eligible to return from the injured reserve on Saturday against the Oilers, but the team opted to give him more time.
In eight starts this season, Woll has a 4-3-1 record with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.
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Tanev, meanwhile, has been out since Nov. 1 after suffering an upper-body injury. He was stretchered off the ice against the Philadelphia Flyers after getting bumped from behind by Matvei Michkov in his first game back from a concussion.
The 35-year-old has only appeared in eight games this season and has two assists to his name.
Toronto sits 14-12-5 and has lost two straight.
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