Toronto Maple Leafs Season End Review

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Nov 2, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) congratulates Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) after a win at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Dallas 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Goaltending

At the beginning of the season Babcock could not buy a save from his goalies, especially in October. However, one goalie emerged as the clear cut number, until he was eventually traded. (Go figure.)

James Reimer was enjoying one of his best seasons since the lockout shortened season, at one point leading the league with a save percentage above .930 percent. Unfortunately, those numbers were tough to sustain.

Luckily for Reimer, he got sent to a playoff contender in San Jose, where he posted three shutouts in eight starts. It would not be surprising to see the Sharks consider using him in the playoffs if Martin Jones struggles out of the gate.

Mar 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) is greeted by backup goalie Garrett Sparks (31) after a 4-1 win over Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

What led to Reimer getting the bulk of games was the abysmal play of Jonathan Bernier, who could not buy a win in October or November during a span of nine games. Ironically, he played better against the Western Conference then he did against the East.

In nine games against the West, Bernier went 5-3-1 with a .914 save percentage and a 2.74 GAA, in comparison to a 7-18-2 record with a .906 save percentage and a 2.92 GAA in 29 games against the East. This type of season leaves Leafs management with a tough decision in regards to Bernier – do they give him another chance next season to start, or had they seen enough to know it will not work out?

Garret Sparks showed flashes in the 16 games he played, but it looks like he still needs some time to get accustomed to the NHL level. Maybe his numbers will improve with a better defence in front of him.

Sparks had a 6-8-1 record with a 2.95 GAA and a .893 save percentage in 16 starts. If he puts together a solid run in the Calder Cup playoffs, it would not surprise anyone to see him get promoted to the Leafs next season as the backup.

This is the position that will be important for the Leafs to build, because without strong goaltending they will not be able to compete. Fortunately for them Lamoriello understands this from his time with the New Jersey Devils, when he had Martin Brodeur and Cory Schneider as his goalies.

Final Grade: C+

Given how Reimer played while Bernier was struggling, combined with the inconsistencies from Sparks, it is tough to know for sure where the Leafs goaltending will be next season. Lamoriello did not rule out the possibility of bringing Reimer back next season.

However, it will be tough to convince Reimer to come back, if another team is offering him a chance to start and the money that he wants. Unless Bernier can make a major turnaround, the Leafs goaltending will be its achilles heal and a reason why the team will struggle to make it to the playoffs.

Next: Alexander Radulov rejects KHL deal to return to the NHL

While most fans will be looking forward to the draft lottery on April 30th, it would be a tough blow if the Leafs do not win the first overall pick. Unfortunately, as Buffalo Sabres fans found out the tough way, nothing is guaranteed, with Toronto only having a 20 percent chance of winning the lottery.

That is why the Leafs wanted to make sure this season was not a complete waste. And it wasn’t, considering what they accomplished with all the trades and giving their young players crucial experience.

It would not be crazy to think how much better this team can be next season, although many questions need to be answered during the offseason. At least Leafs fans saw more promise compared to last season, when most of the players gave up on the team.

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