Babcock: Bernier will start for Maple Leafs on Saturday

Mike Babcock liked what he saw from the Maple Leafs in the second period and thought that despite the loss, the team played reasonably well, even Bernier, who Babcock announced will start on Saturday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are running out of healthy goaltenders.

Garret Sparks left Thursday night’s game with a lower-body injury while James Reimer has been unable to play since Dec. 3 with an injured groin.

As a result the Maple Leafs will start Jonathan Bernier in net when the club hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, head coach Mike Babcock confirmed to reporters.

Bernier allowed three goals on 29 shots in relief of Sparks in Toronto’s 5-4 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. He still hasn’t recorded an NHL win this season.

The former Kings netminder has struggled this season with the Maple Leafs, allowing a total of 20 goals over his last five games.

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