The Toronto Maple Leafs placed Jonathan Bernier in the home net at Monday’s morning skate, but the goaltender will not be getting the start.
Coach Mike Babcock told reporters Monday that James Reimer will take the crease against the Dallas Stars Monday night in search of his second victory. Bernier is dealing with a minor injury after getting “bumped” in Saturday game but is still healthy enough to back up.
Babcock has tried to give Bernier the opportunity to seize the No. 1 role — he has seven starts to Reimer’s three — but the goalie is still searching for his first victory this season.
“I’ve got to be better. Every time you give up four goals, obviously it’s not a good game,” Bernier said after Saturday’s 4-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on home ice.
Reimer brings a 1-1-1 record and a .876 save percentage into the Stars game.
In other Leafs notes, centre Nick Spaling returns to the lineup tonight after missing the last week with an undisclosed injury. Forward Brad Boyes will be a game-time decision.
The Stars lead the Western Conference with a 9-2-0 record, while the Maple Leafs are searching for just their second victory of the season.
Projected Maple Leafs lines:
Van Riemsdyk-Kadri-Komarov
Matthias-Bozak-Parenteau
Winnik-Spaling-Lupul
Grabner-Froese-Boyes
Gardiner-Phaneuf
Hunwick-Rielly
Marincin-Polak
Reimer
