James Reimer Deserves To Be The Toronto Maple Leafs' Starting Goalie

 

Jonathan Bernier is set to come back from injury and reclaim his role as the starting goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but during Bernier’s absence James Reimer has proven he deserves to being the starting goalie.

At the beginning of the season, Bernier was clearly chosen to be the starting goalie for the Maple Leafs, but has done nothing to warrant that decision. In seven games this season Bernier has lost six and one game in overtime. Bernier has posted a 3.02 goals against average and a .899 save percentage.

Bernier’s inconsistent play coupled with an often defensively incompetent team in front of him has yet to yield any results. This has only shown that Reimer deserves a chance to prove himself, which he has.

In eight games this season Reimer has all three of Toronto’s wins, only two losses in regulation time and three losses in overtime. Stats alone show that Reimer is the better goalie with Reimer posting a 2.50 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. The difference between Reimer and Bernier’s stats and records this season are jarring in that it’s plainly obvious of who is the better goalie.

Reimer’s main weakness as a goalie is his rebound control, often giving up rebounds that the opposing team can easily take advantage of. In spite of rebounding issues, Reimer has been playing well this season due to his positioning and athletic ability.

Bernier is just inconsistent. Sometimes Bernier plays amazingly, but then lets the softest shots through. Other times Bernier just plays poorly from start to finish.