Leafs Postgame: How About That Goaltending

When it was announced that James Reimer would be sitting out tonight’s date with the Washington Capitals due to injury, Leafs head coach Mike Babcock stressed how big of an opportunity this was for beleaguered backup Jonathan Bernier to play his way back into contention for more starts.

I’m sure this isn’t what Bernier (or Babcock) had in mind.

Four different Capitals would beat Bernier in fashions ranging from ugly to hilarious, and at the other end of the ice Braden Holtby would stand tall enough to secure the 4-2 win. Peter Holland and Leo Komarov picked up the markers for the Leafs.

In a word… Bernier, as harsh as it sounds. It’s impossible to lay all of the blame at Bernier’s feet this evening – the Morgan Rielly giveaway in the slot was a tough save to make and the Alex Ovechkin double-deflection was just impossible – but that doesn’t make up for the rest of the game. 

Bernier looked uncomfortable all game, giving up all four goals on the 15 shots he faced through the first 40 minutes of play. In fact, I’m surprised that Garret Sparks didn’t make his NHL debut tonight. Bernier would finish the game with just 19 saves on 23 shots and a .826 SV%, and with numbers like that you have to imagine that Reimer will be ridden pretty hard as soon as he’s healthy enough to return.

The Leafs actually had themselves a pretty strong game, carrying the play for the opening half of the game before tailing off after falling behind by two goals. The fourth line, consisting of Peter Holland, Byron Froese and Brad Boyes, were by far Toronto’s largest pushers of play. On the other hand, the Nick Spaling-Joffrey Lupul-Michael Grabner line had a hell of a time containing Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. They got buried.

Hopefully these will make you feel a little bit better.

Captain Dion Phaneuf had himself a pretty good night despite the loss. With just under 21 minutes of ice time, Phaneuf lead the Leafs with seven shots on net – two of which turned into goals off rebounds. That’s two more assists for your fearless leader, who has two goals and 12 assists in 22 games played. Phaneuf sure is benefiting from better deployment.

The Leafs will be back in action on Monday evening when they host the powerhouse Edmonton Oilers… Wait, what? They’re not good yet? But all of those first overall picks! What is going on? Are you kidding me?

Tune into Sportsnet at 7:30pm. See ya then!