Reimer finds respect in Florida after turbulent times in T.O.
Rough times in Toronto thing of the past as ex-Leafs goalie solid fit with Panthers
SUNRISE, FLA.— Former Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer has found a home, as well as a team and a coach that love him.
With Roberto Luongo injured, Reimer has assumed the No. 1 job in net with the Florida Panthers, who thrashed the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
Reimer picked up his 13th win on the season.
“What always impressed me is how he handled you guys,” Panthers coach Tom Rowe said to the assembled media, comprised mostly of Toronto-based reporters. “You guys put a lot of heat on him.
“I watched how professional he was with the questions you guys gave him, and how he handled the disappointments. That was the biggest thing for me when we were looking for a goaltender, how much character he has. His play on the ice has been phenomenal.” “He’s done a great job for us.” Reimer has played 16 of the last 23 games for the Panthers, including the past five in a row heading into Tuesday’s game against his former team. The Panthers have slipped down the standings after a hot run in February, when they won eight of nine.
“You want to be winning games, but all you can do is focus on your own game and try to make saves, no matter what part of the game,” said Reimer.
“I feel like I’ve been seeing the puck well.”
Reimer is one of a number of Leafs from the 2015-16 season thriving elsewhere.
Ex-battery mate Jonathan Bernier has thrived in Anaheim; Dion Phaneuf is comfortable in a secondary defensive role in Ottawa, playing 23 minutes a game and Michael Grabner is leading the New York Rangers with 27 goals.
Meanwhile, the newer and younger Leafs have risen to challenge this season for a playoff spot, something that doesn’t surprise Reimer.
“You keep track of any team you’ve been a part of,” said Reimer. “Keep an eye on San Jose, and keep an eye on Toronto. Maybe moreso Toronto because it’s been one of the teams we’ve been close to all year.
“They got a lot of talented kids there, and the coaching staff is really good. I’m not completely surprised. You saw the talent they had.”
The Panthers have been a team beset with problems this season, a disappointing one after a playoff appearance last season. There were an unusual number of injuries to key players, with defenceman Aaron Ekblad the latest. There also was a coaching change and a front-office shuffle.
No one is pinning Florida’s woes on Reimer, whose .917 save percentage is identical to that of Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen.
“We’ve been on the losing side of a couple of close games recently,” said Reimer. “We’re hoping to get over the hump. You don’t want to say bounces. Just a couple of close games that didn’t go our way at the end. We’re working hard, we’re battling. Eventually bounces go your way.”
Reimer’s personality has not changed since he left Toronto a little over a year ago to join the San Jose Sharks for their run to the Stanley Cup final.
His time with the Sharks left an impression.
“Playing on a team with so many veterans and guys who have won so much, just to see how even-keeled they were,” said Reimer. “If they were down 2-0 or down in a series, they just kept doing their thing no matter what.” He’s also a new dad. “At the start it’s a little terrifying,” said Reimer of fatherhood.
All in all, he seems at ease with his new life in south Florida.