Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Bernier earns 36-save shutout to extend incredible start

Jonathan Bernier

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 10: Eric Nystrom #24 of the Nashville Predators tries to get a rebound in front of goalie Jonathan Bernier #45 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Bridgestone Arena on October 10, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Jonathan Bernier has been waiting for a chance to prove that he’s capable of being a starting goaltender in the NHL. He couldn’t do that behind Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles, but he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity he’s been given as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Bernier turned aside 36 shots, including 17 in the second period alone to earn his seventh career shutout and lead Toronto to a 4-0 victory over the Nashville Predators.

The 25-year-old netminder has been nearly unbeatable so far. In four games, he’s posted a 0.85 GAA and .974 save percentage, making him one of the primary reasons that Toronto is off to a 4-1-0 start.

Of course, he didn’t win this one alone. Phil Kessel scored a goal and registered two assists. The Maple Leafs also widened their lead with two power-play goals in the third period courtesy of Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul.

When this season began, Bernier and James Reimer were expected to compete for the starting gig. Bernier has pulled away in that race, but the campaign is still young. Reimer will get another chance, although after what happened tonight it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bernier start again on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.

Follow @RyanDadoun