Season Review: Starting in Net

         It has been exactly 25 days since the Toronto Maple Leafs closed out a bleak season with a 1-0 loss to their Ontario rivals, Ottawa Senators. While the season was filled with ups and downs, many of the issues were exaggerated due to frustration. In hopes of properly assessing this season, I have decided to review this past season one month into the offseason. Following the immediate end of the season, many fans began to entertain ideas that are just based off of utter frustration and disappointment. Yes, The Toronto Maple Leafs had a few dark moments throughout the season. However, Those dark moments were followed by some bright and encouraging sequences. Changes to this team need to happen, but blowing the core up is not necessary. Lets assess the team from Goaltending, to better understand where changes need to take place. In the next couple of blogs I will examine the forwards and defence men, as well as the Coach and General Manager.

           For as long as I can remember, the Toronto Maple Leafs never had an above average goalie. This season saw the emergence of Jonathan Bernier, the 25 year-old from Laval, Quebec, posted a .922 save percentage and a 2.70 goals against average over a career high 55 games. Bernier's numbers are respectable considering the amount of help he was given by the defensive core of the hockey club. On average Bernier faced more than 30 shots against a game, The Toronto Maple Leafs finished dead last in shots against during the regular season. In total the Leafs gave up 2945 shots over the course of an 82 game season, averaging out to 35.9 shots a game. Considering that the Leafs were on the verge of setting a record for the most shots against in a single season, The play of Jonathan Bernier should not even be brought into question. 
         
          However, Bernier's challenger for the starting position, James Reimer the 26 year-old native of Morweena, Manitoba posted average numbers at best. In 36 games, Reimer posted a save percentage of .911 and a goals against of 3.29. Reimer set a career low in goals against, 3.29, which was 49th in the league. Much like Bernier, Reimer faced his fair share of shots averaging more than 30 shots a game. Reimer was given equal opportunity with Bernier for the starting position, and for the most part proved that he was capable of becoming a stater in the NHL. Unfortunately, Reimer began to struggle when he was given opportunities to steal the starters job from Bernier. The Only question that should be considered with the Leafs goaltending situation is whether to offer Reimer a qualify offer as he is a Restricted Free Agent. If Reimer feels comfortable with battling with Bernier next season and maybe longer, The Leafs need to offer him a contract. If the Leafs decide to tender him a qualifying offer it will only cost them 1.6 M, Cheaper than Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren combined! No brainer right?

          I hope that the Toronto Maple Leafs stay status quo with their goaltending situation as it is such a vital role in todays NHL. If the Toronto Maple Leafs want to take the next step in becoming a serious Stanley Cup contender, It starts in the net. If the Leafs decide to keep both goaltenders, they will have arguable one of the best duo's in the NHL for many years to come.

All Stats are courtesy of ww.NHL.com and www.hockeydb.com
All Salary related information is courtesy of www.capgeek.com