In a earlier publish the place I researched the factors that measured the traits of excellent NHL goalies after which utilized it to consider the Toronto Maple Leafs’ greatest goalie since 1990, my analysis allowed me to learn extra about goalie Jonathan Bernier and his time in Toronto. He performed for the workforce for 3 seasons, from 2013 to 2016.
What turned attention-grabbing to me was that plenty of hockey writers and pundits had written that they believed Bernier must be thought of among the finest goalies in latest workforce historical past, they usually might need some extent. On this publish, I’ll increase on that perspective.
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On the floor, simply his numbers, Bernier had an “common” NHL profession. Nevertheless, would possibly these numbers have hidden a extra gifted goalie? What’s his Maple Leafs story?
What Is Jonathan Bernier’s Historical past with the Maple Leafs?
Bernier was drafted within the first spherical (eleventh total) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. After 5 seasons as a backup goalie with the Kings, Bernier was acquired by the Maple Leafs in a commerce with the Los Angeles Kings in the course of the 2013 offseason. Going the opposite manner have been forwards Matt Frattin, goalie Ben Scrivens, and a second-round draft decide (which turned out to be Travis Dermott).
In Bernier’s first season with the workforce, he performed 55 video games and posted a goals-against common (GAA) of two.70 and save share (SV%) of .922 to go together with a document of 26-19-7. In his second season with the workforce, he performed 58 video games with a document of 21-28-7, a GAA of two.87, and an SV% of .912. In his last season with the workforce, he put up a document of 12-21-3 over 38 video games, with a GAA of two.88 and an SV% of .908.
When Bernie Was Good, the Maple Leafs Have been Not
Bernier was with the Maple Leafs at a time after they have been struggling to win video games. Though he had some sturdy performances throughout his time with the workforce, he additionally struggled with consistency (or may it have been the dangerous play in entrance of him?). At instances, he had a bent to surrender delicate objectives. However regardless of these struggles, he was normally seen because the workforce’s best choice in internet.
In the course of the 2013-14 season, Bernier had a successful document, however his workforce was mediocre (or worse). The workforce was coached by Randy Carlyle that season and had a season document of 38-36-8 (for 84 factors), ending sixth in NHL Atlantic Division and lacking the playoffs.
What Form of a Goalie Was Bernier?
Bernier was famous for his athleticism and talent to make acrobatic saves, making him one of many extra agile goalies within the league. Nevertheless, he generally struggled with consistency and confidence. But, when he was on his recreation, he was an particularly sturdy performer below strain.
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Bernier was notably good at making saves along with his pads after which utilizing his athleticism to get well shortly after making a save. He was additionally revered for his information of the sport and talent to learn performs. His communication fashion was quieter than many goalies; some goalies are vocal on the ice, however Bernier was a quieter presence. That mentioned, he was in a position to successfully direct his teammates and guarantee gamers have been in the correct positions.
Though he was quieter on the ice, Bernier was famous for having a fast humorousness throughout his interactions with the media. He as soon as joked that he was “the primary star of the dropping workforce” in a recreation by which he made 48 saves however misplaced in additional time.
Bernier’s Had Some Memorable Moments with the Maple Leafs
Throughout his time with the Maple Leafs, Bernier skilled a couple of memorable moments. In March 2014, he went on a three-game shutout streak that set a brand new Maple Leafs franchise document; he made a complete of 110 saves throughout that streak. In his complete time within the Maple Leafs’ internet with out giving up a objective, Bernier brick-walled the web for 1 hour and 43 minutes of recreation time. (from “Jonathan Bernier units Leafs document with third straight shutout,” The Toronto Star, 16/03/2014).
Second, Bernier began in objective for the Maple Leafs within the 2014 Winter Basic, which was held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The attendance of that recreation was a record-setting crowd of over 105,000 followers. There, Bernier made 41 saves in a 3-2 shootout win over the Detroit Pink Wings. (from “Winter Basic: Bernier strengthens grip on Leafs’ internet with one other sturdy efficiency, The Hamilton Spectator, 01/01/2014).
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Bernier’s time with the Leafs got here to an finish after the 2015-16 season. Within the 2016 offseason, he was traded to the Anaheim Geese in trade for a conditional draft decide.
Bernier’s Profession File Was Common, However His Play Was Robust
At present, Bernier is recovering from hip surgical procedure. He hasn’t performed since final season, however he’s nonetheless below contract with the New Jersey Devils till the top of this season. Sadly, though he’s solely now 34 years outdated, his profession is probably going over. Nevertheless, that isn’t but official, so maybe he’ll return.
My The Hockey Writers colleague Alex Chauvancy shared with me that Bernier tried to come back again at first of 2022-23 throughout coaching camp. Whereas that return wasn’t profitable, the document guide has not fully closed on him.
Nevertheless, if it does shut, Bernier’s NHL profession would have lasted 15 seasons. Later in his profession, he turned a kind of goalies who lived as a little bit of a pilgrim. He typically signed with one workforce after which one other – normally groups trying to discover a dependable backup goalie.
Apparently, Bernier was a robust goalie for dropping groups. Throughout his 15 NHL seasons, apart from his first season of 4 video games with the Los Angeles Kings, he by no means had an SV% decrease than .900. And for all of the dropping NHL groups he performed for, he solely had a GAA over 3.00 twice.
If 2021-22 was his final season within the NHL, Bernier performed a complete of 403 NHL video games. His document was simply two video games over .500 at 165-163-40, along with his last GAA being 2.78 and his SV% being .912.
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It’s onerous to think about what his document might need seemed like had he performed with successful groups. However, as Bernier joked, he was typically “the primary star of the dropping workforce.” Good luck to him ought to he try a return to an NHL internet.
