WWYD – Pulling Your Goalie (Twice)

Last night was hilarious. Jonathan Bernier nicks himself with his skate and has to leave the game to get fixed up. James Reimer relieves him for the briefest of moments, and gets pulled when Bernier is ready to return. Bernier then gives up two goals and the Nashville Predators beat the Toronto Maple Leafs for their tenth straight loss. What a riot!

Just kidding. That whole thing bummed a lot of people out. I get that James Reimer is a nice boy and that this city is full of Reimer supporters who think that the Leafs are being big meanies because Bernier is getting more starts (perhaps undeserved, considering recent play). I just think that emotions run high and some of Reimer’s fans just get excited because they think he’s a victim. 

But hey, you know what? Boo hoo. It’s professional sports. It was Bernier’s game. 

If you think Reimer should get more ice time – which he absolutely should – get upset that he isn’t  getting more starts, not that he isn’t getting more relief opportunities. 

Reimer came into the game cold, and on a Nashville power play. That isn’t exactly putting him in the best opportunity to succeed. With a back-to-back coming up this weekend, let Reimer take a game against the Devils or Oilers and get over this whole double goalie pull situation. That’s how you properly involve a goaltender in your game plan. 

You’re the coach of a (pretty bad) professional ice hockey team.

Your “1A” goaltender has cut the back of his leg with his own skate on a breakaway save, and requires repairs. Your “1B” has to take over for the remainder of the period, and for a couple minutes to begin the next period. Your “1A” goaltender has since been patched and/or stitched up and is ready to play again.

What do you do? “1B” hasn’t given up any goals on four shots through five-and-a-half minutes, and you’ve actually taken the lead in the game! But 1A did start the game and he’s willing and able to finish it. It’s a tough call to make.

How would you have handled last night’s minor goalie fiasco? Answer in the comments below. 

Winner gets to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs next year.