Maple Leafs’ Sparks expected to make NHL debut vs. Oilers

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks talks about making his first NHL start in goal on Monday night.

With James Reimer unavailable with a lower-body injury and Jonathan Bernier struggling to stop pucks, the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to Garret Sparks to take to the crease for his National Hockey League debut Monday versus the Edmonton Oilers.

The Maple Leafs recalled Sparks from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League Saturday ahead of their game against the Washington Capitals.

The 22-year-old has a record of 8-2-1 in 11 games with the Marlies to go along with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage.

Reimer is on the shelf after suffering an injury in practice this week. Bernier has allowed four or more goals in four of his last five starts. Maple Leafs fans voiced their displeasure over Bernier’s recent play with a Bronx cheer in Saturday’s loss to the Capitals.

Bernier is winless in nine starts this season and is currently sporting a 3.28 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage.

The Maple Leafs selected Sparks in the seventh round (190th overall) in 2011.

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