Maple Leafs turn to Sparks as Bernier’s struggles continue

Leafs head coach Mike Babcock tells media Garret Sparks will start Thursday against San Jose Sharks and Bernier has to fight his way back.

TORONTO – Garret Sparks will be back in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks.

Head coach Mike Babcock made the announcement after practice on Wednesday.

Sparks has a 3-1-0 record for the Maple Leafs with a 2.20 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage after being called up from the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies.

Sparks has become the Maple Leafs de facto starter goalie as James Reimer is out with a groin injury and Jonathan Bernier continues to struggle in net.

Reimer has a 7-4-4 record with a 2.01 GAA and a .935 save percentage, while Bernier is 0-8-2 with a 3.45 GAA and an .881 save percentage.

Bernier did a 10-day conditioning stint with the Marlies last week, earning shutouts in his first three games but then losing to the Utica Comets 5-4 in overtime in his fourth start, giving up a goal on the first shot.

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