Jonathan Bernier on AHL stint: 'I'm not playing well and that's on me'
Toronto goaltender Jonathan Bernier's fate has been determined: as long as James Reimer is reasonably healthy, Bernier will head to the AHL Toronto Marlies for a conditioning stint in an attempt to find his game.
"I’m not playing well, and that’s on me," Bernier told reporters Wednesday. "It’s not on anyone else, I take full responsibility for this. I’m looking to find my game and have some fun as well. I think that’s important ... go out there (with Marlies), no pressure, and have some fun."
Bernier was briefly the starting goaltender for the Leafs, but his season was derailed by a slew of difficult starts followed by an injury which kept him out of action for two weeks. Reimer played very well in Bernier's absence, and when Bernier finally did get back into a game, his performance was underwhelming. He even allowed a goal from center-ice, a tally which stood as a highlight of his recent misery in net.
Bernier currently owns an 0-8-1 record this season with a .888 save percentage. He signed a two-year deal worth over $8 million with the Leafs this past summer, making him a difficult player to move considering his poor results and high price. The Leafs told reporters Wednesday they expect Bernier's conditioning stint to last 10 days.
(h/t Toronto Star)
