Feb 25, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Sam Gagner (89) celebrates with goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) after the game against the Nashville Predators at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Red Wings avoided another terrible year because of one man: Jonathan Bernier. Sure, he was hurt at points. Yes, Thomas Greiss really put it together in April and created a hell of a goalie tandem for Detroit.
But without Bernier, the Wings don’t win nearly as many games as they did. Not only was he the Red Wings most consistent performer, he was their best player, too.