Maple Leafs mates were quick to go back and give Jonathan Bernier a stick tap after he allowed two early Pittsburgh goals in less than a minute on Saturday.
But it will take a more detailed therapy session to make sure that Bernier — and the other 19 Leafs on the game-night roster — are in a ‘good place’ when the puck drops. Toronto’s low-return record of 1-3-1 so far is partly due to first-period groaners given up by Bernier in his three starts.
That was the subject of a chat between coach Mike Babcock and the goalie at Monday’s practice, part of a larger discussion after the Leafs produced only one first-period goal in support of Bernier and James Reimer heading into Buffalo on Wednesday.