Maple Leafs G Bernier faces season-high 23 shots in first period
Jonathan Bernier faced a hectic welcome back to the Toronto Maple Leafs' crease on Tuesday.
That's the most shots against (23) in a period the leafs have faced this season
— Kevin Gibson (@TSNResearch) March 25, 2014
The St. Louis Blues dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, eventually building a 2-1 lead. Bernier held his own for the opening 15 minutes, but T.J. Oshie poked a loose puck over the line at 15:55 and David Backes fired a shot under Bernier in the final minute of the first.
Bernier hesitated to go down on both goals, which is a concerning sign given his recent groin strain. But regardless of Bernier's health, giving up 23 shots in a period is no way to win a hockey game.
If team was going to play like this, should have just rested Bernier. Worst outcome is he aggravates injury with this workload.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 25, 2014