Leafs coach Ron Wilson didn’t have much of a choice in naming his starting netminder for tonight’s home game versus San Jose. After Jonas Gustavsson’s struggles Tuesday in a 4-3 overtime loss to New Jersey, James Reimer will get the nod against the Sharks.
Reimer’s last start was an ugly one – Saturday in Vancouver, the 23-year-old surrendered four goals on 18 shots before getting the hook partway through the second period. The defense was awful in front of him, but he was the first to admit he needed to make some saves.
Toronto plays two games before Monday’s trade deadline, and general manager Brian Burke finally conceded yesterday he might have to get some goaltending help.
Safe to say tonight is the biggest start of Reimer’s career. And if he gets it done tonight, Saturday’s start against the Capitals will be even bigger.
No pressure or anything.
Related: Leafs goalie coach: “We’ve got two young kids in the net”