More drama between the Ducks and Predators.
Jonathan Bernier began Game 5 as the back-up to John Gibson. However, Bernier found himself in net to begin the second period with the score tied 0-0.
Gibson stopped all 10 shots he faced in the first period. It wasn’t immediately clear why he wasn’t in net to start the second period.
Updated:
The Ducks announced before the third period that Gibson has a lower-body injury and is questionable to return to this game.
FWIW, Jon Bernier has been really good vs Nashville in his career: 9-4-0, .917 save pctg, 2 shutouts, 2.37 GAA in 14 games.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) May 21, 2017
Bernier has played twice during these playoffs. On April 17 versus the Flames, he took over for Gibson and ended up stopping all 16 shots he faced for a win. He then came in to relieve Gibson in Game 6 versus the Oilers in the second round.
Much has been made of Nashville’s injury problems in the last 48 hours. The attrition of this series and the playoffs in general has also affected the Ducks, who were already without Patrick Eaves dating back to the second round and without Rickard Rakell for Game 5 versus Nashville due to a lower-body injury.