Maple Leafs notebook: Coach Craig Berube won’t confirm goalies for Wednesday, Thursday

Goalie Joseph Woll certainly sounded as if he was starting the Maple Leafs’ season opener in Montreal on Wednesday, and Anthony Stolarz waxed poetic about getting Game 2 in New Jersey, his home state.
But coach Craig Berube doesn’t like to announce starting goaltenders until he has to, and he was true to form Tuesday.
“I never mentioned nothing,” Berube said about his goaltending intentions. “I’m not jumping to conclusions. That’s (Wednesday).”
It would be a shock if Woll didn’t start the opener with Stolarz in net for the second game against the Devils.
“It can’t get much better than playing Montreal at the Bell Centre,” said Woll, who last played at the arena during the 2017 world junior tournament. “It’s an historical building. It’s exciting to get this experience.”
Stolarz, the pride of Edison, N.J., grew up a Martin Brodeur fan and could have up to 50 family and friends in attendance.
“It’s always great to go back home and put on my best effort there,” he said.
Leafs captain Auston Matthews hasn’t set any personal goals for what would make a great regular season.
“Just staying present,” Matthews said. “We want to continue to build our games. We can’t think too far ahead. It’s about taking care of today. Make sure every day we take steps in the right direction in the way want to play.
“The goal is to make the dance. We have to have a good regular season to get there. That’s the focus.”
Matthews scored a team-record 69 goals last season, winning his third Rocket Richard Trophy.
Even though Mitch Marner is eligible to sign an extension, GM Brad Treliving is comfortable waiting to get the star winger’s name on a contract for next season.
“Mitch is a star. He’s a great player,” said Treliving. “He had a great summer. He’s prepared. When you’re prepared, and confident, that allows your ability to take over, and that’s what Mitch is. I couldn’t be more pleased with him during camp. He’s got a lot of juice to him. He brings energy to our group. His on-ice play speaks for itself.”