Jonathan Bernier injured against Bruins, will have MRI on lower-body injury
(Photo Credit: @PeteBlackburn)
Toronto's absolute must-win game against Boston was going pretty well after the end of two periods with the Leafs being up 3-1.
About five minutes into the third, the always lovable Milan Lucic scored to bring the B's within one of Toronto. The good news for Leaf fans was that goalie Jonathan Bernier was having a fantastic game against a top team in the league.
GIF: Bernier exits the game after Paul Ranger pushes Patrice Bergeron on top of him. Ouch. http://t.co/w83a8tH2ha
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 4, 2014
Bernier's own teammate, Paul Ranger, pushed Patrice Bergeron on to the goalie while Bernier was in an awkward position. [Update: Here's the injury video from CBS Sports.]
It was evident right away that Bernier was in significant distress. On the ice for about a minute, Bernier was able to skate off under his own power, but was not putting any weight on his left leg. He missed time earlier in the season with groin issues. Post-game, Carlyle wouldn't get specific beyond the usual 'lower body injury' and he'll have an MRI.
With Bernier out, in skates James Reimer. The entire crowd at the ACC turned the shade of poutine with nausea.
As the Hockey Gods would have it, Boston's Bergeron scored the game-tying goal at the 12:51 mark. Everyone watching the game instantly had flashbacks of last year's Game 7.
Miraculously, Reimer and the Leafs made it into overtime. Thanks to Nazem Kadri, Reimer's sanity stays intact another day. Toronto wins, 4-3 (OT).
