James Reimer was not the goaltender that took Toronto's morning skate on Monday, but he started for the Maple Leafs anyway. With starting netminder Jonathan Bernier out after being "bumped" over the weekend during a game, Reimer got the start in between the pipes looking for the team's third win of the season.
NHL scores 2015: James Reimer his makes case for Leafs starting goalie job with 4-1 victory
A 43-save performance by backup James Reimer has him starting again on Wednesday.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
With help from Joffrey Lupul's two goals, Reimer locked down the crease in a superb game for the backup, stealing a game against the white hot Dallas Stars. It is Toronto's first win since the middle of October. Reimer himself was outstanding in a game he never would have started otherwise, saving 43 of 44 shots to earn the well-deserved first star of the game.
Reimer impressed so much in his fourth game of the season that Leafs head coach Mike Babcock has given him the nod for Wednesday's contest against the Winnipeg Jets.
"Absolutely he did. For sure." -- Babcock on whether Reimer did enough to deserve the start on Wednesday.
— Michael Traikos (@Michael_Traikos) November 3, 2015 Babcock clearly wants to ride the hot hand with Reimer, a smart choice with normal starting goaltender Bernier yet to win a game for the Leafs this season in seven games played. Reimer has a chance here to take the starting job out of Bernier’s hands if his strong play continues. It’s early, for sure, but playing the hot goalie is a proven sound strategy.
Scores
Leafs 4, Stars 1
Blackhawks 4, Kings 2
3 things we learned
1. Fifteen years later, Brad Boyes finally has his first goal as a Leaf
Brad Boyes has waited a long time for his first goal with the Maple Leafs. The forward originally was drafted by Toronto, but has played for six teams over the last 15 years after spending the first few years of his professional career in the minors. Boyes bounced around the league until he got a second chance with the Leafs after signing a professional tryout contract with Toronto in the offseason, and then making the cut by October. The goal was quite a hard fought one, with Boyes sneaking in behind the Dallas Stars defense and lifting a backhander up and over the pads. Boyes almost had his second late in the first period, but the play was ruled offside on a Dallas coach’s challenge.
no goal. coach's challenge for offside is successful. pic.twitter.com/YOx09wJjxT
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 3, 2015 2. The Los Angeles Kings streak stops at seven
Coming into Monday night, the Kings were looking to extend their winning streak to eight games but were stymied by the reigning Stanley Cup champions. The Kings held a 2-1 lead until the third period, where a quick goal by Patrick Kane tied the game 1:22 into the final frame and Teuvo Teravainen got the game-winner eight minutes later. The 3-2 loss is the Kings first since October 13, the first week of the season. The win for the Blackhawks not only snaps the Kings streak, but also their two-game skid that ended the month of October.
3. If the Philadelphia Flyers were categorized by alignment, this is what it would look like
Philadelphia Flyers Alignment Chart pic.twitter.com/fnz2RCFN6k
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) November 3, 2015 Seems true.
Impact Moment
Jannik Hansen exposed a huge flaw in the Philadelphia Flyers defense on this first period goal.
Hansen goal, 1-0 Canucks pic.twitter.com/pxP8geBGLj
— Stephanie (@myregularface) November 3, 2015 Seriously, where is everyone???
Stat of the Night
Per @EliasSports: James Reimer (@MapleLeafs) is 13-2-2 in 17 career regular-season games where he has made 40+ saves pic.twitter.com/B1MrrKbKxe
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 3, 2015 Post to Post
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