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Debate amongst yourselves: Is this on Mike Babcock starting Jonathan Bernier twice in a back to back despite the overwhelming statistics screaming no, or should Bernier be able to play a back to back without getting injured if he’s to be considered a legitimate NHL starting goalie?
Marlies play on road tomorrow morning. They've called up Rob Madore from ECHL @OrlandoHockey. #goaliecarousel
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) November 3, 2015
Tyler Bozak missed practice today for personal reasons. Unclear if he'll be play tomorrow. van Riemsdyk, also absent today, fine for Weds.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) November 3, 2015
This is the best opportunity James Reimer has had in quite some time to grab the reigns from Bernier and run with them for a stretch. He’s got both Leaf wins this season, put on the best individual goaltending performance of the season last night vs. Dallas, and now Bernier’s banged up.
Tuesday Links:
- Elliotte Friedman: 30 Thoughts: Power struggle over the coach’s challenge (Sportsnet.ca)
If there’s one thing Mike Babcock needs to fix with Dion Phaneuf’s game, it’s penalties. As of Tuesday morning, Phaneuf is tied with Dustin Byfuglien for the NHL lead in minors, with nine. Last season, he was fifth with 39. (Byfuglien led all defencemen with 42.) In 2013-14, his 47 led everyone, two more than David Perron.
I - Jonas Siegel: Maple Leafs’ goalie carousel continues (TSN.ca)
Nazem Kadri was the league leader in penalties drawn last season and on Monday night he drew three against the Stars. Kadri is up to six penalties drawn through the first 11 games after drawing 31 to lead all players last year.
I - James Mirtle: Stars’ Jamie Benn shifts from fifth-round pick to NHL superstar (The Globe and Mail)
The interesting side-story here, meanwhile, is his contract situation. While the league’s rumour mongers continue to focus on Tampa’s Steven Stamkos – an unrestricted free agent next July 1 – Benn has only one season beyond this one on his ultra-reasonable, $5.25-million-a-season contract.
I - Scott Lewis: Mike Babcock to coach Team Canada at 2016 World Cup (Sportsnet.ca)
Familiarity goes a long way, so it seems. Babcock coached Team Canada to back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Games in Vancouver and Sochi, which made him the favourite to lead the squad into action at next year’s tournament.
I - Gary Lawless: Quenneville should coach Canada at World Cup of Hockey (TSN.ca)
There’s a very good argument to be made that Babcock should have the job until he loses and back-to-back Olympic titles make him a favourite. He knows the players and he’s been successful in the tournament format. The other side of that discussion is why wait until a loss. If there’s a better option, put him in place now.
I - Tom Hunter: Leafs OHL Prospects Update – November Edition Part 1 (MLHS)
He joins Mitch Marner, Travis Dermott and JJ Piccinich in a Midwest division that is among the best in all of junior hockey. For the remainder of the season Erie, Kitchener and London play each other six times, creating a lot of very fun games for Maple Leaf fans to watch.
