In today's episode of "As the Goaltender turns" we see Jonathan Bernier is back with the Toronto Maple Leafs, however his throne may have been usurped by the young Garret Sparks. Bernier returned but let in 5 goals vs Tampa Bay. Sparks gets another shot in the crease vs San Jose. Will he dominate and take over as starter until Reimer returns? is this to give Bernier a chance to recover? Find out tonight, on "As the Goaltender Turns"
San Jose Sharks at Toronto Maple Leafs
7:30PM - Air Canada Centre
TV: TSN4 Radio: TSN1050
SBN: Fear the Fin / Battle of California
The Maple Leafs sit 1 point out of last place, just above the Columbus Blue Jackets. The San Jose Sharks are second in the Pacific division, in a playoff spot (deserved or not). The Sharks are coming to Toronto after doing the Lords work and beating the Canadiens. Game 2 of a back to back is an excellent time to scoop up a win, especially against a team on a long road trip.
Potential Line ups
Toronto
James van Riemsdyk - Tyler Bozak - PA Parenteau
Shawn Matthias - Nazem Kadri - Leo Komarov
Daniel Winnik- Nick Spaling – Michael Grabner
Peter Holland - Byron Froese – Joffrey Lupul
Jake Gardiner - Dion Phaneuf
Matt Hunwick - Morgan Rielly
Frank Corrado - Roman Polak
Garret Sparks
Jonathan Bernier
Injured: Stephane Robidas (groin), James Reimer (lower body)
Scratched: Martin Marincin, Brad Boyes
San Jose
Tomas Hertl - Joe Thornton - Joe Pavelski
Melker Karlsson - Patrick Marleau - Joel Ward
Joonas Donskoi - Chris Tierney - Tommy Wingels
Matt Nieto - Dainius Zubrus - Mike Brown
Paul Martin – Brent Burns
Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Justin Braun
Brenden Dillon – Dylan DeMelo
Martin Jones
Alex Stalock
Injured: Logan Couture (right thigh), Ben Smith (concussion symptoms)
Scratched: Barclay Goodrow, Matt Tennyson
Twitter fodder
Mike Babcock on the #SJSharks: "I think Pavelski now sets the competition level for that team."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 17, 2015 Babcock said Marlies' Keefe recently told him about Sparks, who's starting tonight, "Don't worry about him, he's not scared of anything."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 17, 2015 PA Parenteau on Tyler Bozak: "I knew playing against him, he wasn't getting points because he was playing with Phil Kessel. I knew that."
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) December 17, 2015 Woah, Let's talk about this tweet. This is something for sure. Siegel said it's going to be discussed on TSN tonight so hopefully there's more, but come on Jonas, some context here.
My expectations: Sparks stands tall (not hard for him) and brings up a win for the Leafs. low scoring for both teams, Sharks have a good margin in favour of shots.
