Jonathan Bernier returns to Maple Leafs after semi-successful AHL conditioning stint
Jonathan Bernier was back at Toronto Maple Leafs practice Monday morning after a four-game conditioning stint with the AHL Toronto Marlies which started well but ended on a low note. Bernier earned shutouts in his first three starts but allowed five goals against in Sunday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Utica Comets.
Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock was reportedly in attendance for Sunday's misery-fest, but Bernier and the Marlies had a bit of an excuse for the dismal performance; many of the players were exhausted after playing three times in three days, and the team bus did not arrive back from Syracuse until 3 a.m. Sunday morning.
Bernier told reporters after the game that, despite the outcome of Sunday's game, he believes his AHL stint was beneficial.
Bernier has an 0-8-1 record through nine starts with the Maple Leafs this season. The team has yet to name its starter for Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I gained that confidence back, I made some adjustments on my own in my game," Bernier told reporters. "I enjoyed every moment with these guys and when you win it's always fun. I'm ready to go back to the Leafs."
