Leafs to ride hot hand in Reimer
Bernier’s status as No. 1 has come into question in aftermath of struggles
James Reimer’s leadership credentials and ice time are on the rise, putting pressure on Jonathan Bernier for the No. 1role in the Leafs net.
“Yes, he showed leadership,” Leafs interim coach Peter Horachek said of Reimer, who will make his third straight start Tuesday night against the New York Rangers at the Air Canada Centre.
“He wasn’t happy, he showed passion and he demanded passion from his teammates,” the coach added, referring to Reimer’s comments after Friday night’s 4-1 loss to the Devils in New Jersey, where he called out teammates for lack of passion and resolve. “We didn’t have that in New Jersey. We were soft. So that’s what you need from your leadership group.”
Bernier had been expected to start Tuesday night. While the coach’s decision to go with Reimer raised some eyebrows, it also took into account Bernier’s illness over the weekend and the fact he’s had a lone workout after two days of inactivity.
Bernier has recorded a save percentage below .900 over his last 11 starts, raising questions about whether he’s shown enough this season to be considered No.1. The pending restricted free agent might be a trade candidate heading up to the March 2 deadline.
That’s a stark contrast to the comfort zone Bernier has enjoyed in his second season as a Leaf, first as the de facto No. 1. Like every Leaf, he has struggled through a season of disappointment.
“(Reimer) has been playing good, so, yes, it’s an easy choice to go back with him,” Bernier said of Hora- chek’s goaltending decision for the Rangers game. “I told Ricky (St. Croix, goalie coach) that I’ve sat two days and now is a good time for me to get some work in.”
While Bernier works his way back after battling flu symptoms over the weekend, he can’t avoid the notion that his status has been eroded. With the playoffs out of reach and nothing to lose, the goalies’ performance will determine who gets the bulk of the ice time with 28 games left in the season.
Horachek aimed to cut off any suggestion of a goalie controversy.
“It’s not a competition. It’s day-today and I’m going to move quick and nip that (talk) every time I hear it,” Horachek said. “They’re both excellent leaders and it’s not about one guy. It’s about winning games. When you guys (media) try to make it a competition. I’m going to step in and nip it in the bud.”
Also Monday, the Leafs softened their timeline on the return of captain Dion Phaneuf. The defenceman was originally believed to be close to returning over the weekend. Instead, they put Phaneuf on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 21. Horachek hinted that Phaneuf might miss another week or so.