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Bernier (MCL strain) out three weeks; Leafs turn to Reimer

Jonathan Bernier

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier is helped off the ice after being injured during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Toronto on Thursday, April 3, 2014. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

AP

Toronto goalie Jonathan Bernier is out three weeks with an MCL strain, leaving the netminding duties to James Reimer for the final four games of the Maple Leafs’ regular season.

Bernier was hurt last night versus Boston. Reimer came in to replace him, stopping 10 of 11 shots in a 4-3 overtime victory.

Even though the Leafs’ playoff hopes remain slim after beating the Bruins, Reimer has much to prove. His .896 save percentage in March, much of it compiled while Bernier was out recovering from a groin injury, made him one of the defining faces of Toronto’s epic eight-game losing streak.

There has been speculation that Reimer -- a pending restricted free agent -- will request a trade this summer. The 26-year-old is 12-13-1 with a .908 save percentage on the season.

Toronto hosts Winnipeg Saturday before finishing its schedule with three games on the road against Tampa Bay, Florida, and Ottawa.