Bernier Blanks Kings To End Drought, Maple Leafs Win 5-0
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jonathan Bernier stopped 26 shots in his first win of the season as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-0 on Saturday night.
Bernier, who was 0-8-3 in his first 11 appearances, was helped out by a strong defensive game but also made some memorable saves.
Michael Grabner and Leo Komarov each scored twice in a dominant performance with linemate Nazem Kadri. Byron Froese had his first NHL goal for the Maple Leafs (11-13-7), who extended their point streak to five games — tying a season high.
Bernier earned his first win since April 5 against his former team, which surprisingly started Jhonas Enroth (29 saves) over No. 1 goalie Jonathan Quick.
Quick, the 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, was coming off a 45-save shutout in Montreal.
No matter the opposing goalie, the Maple Leafs played a strong game against the Pacific Division-leading Kings(20-10-2), who were at the end of a six-game road trip.
Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter thought his team looked tired after the morning skate, and the sluggish play continued into the game.
The Maple Leafs gave Bernier an early lead when Kadri won an offensive zone faceoff and Komarov deflected a shot by Matt Hunwick past Enroth 5:31 into the first period.
Bernier kept Toronto ahead 5 minutes into the second with a pad save to rob Marian Gaborik, who was responsible for several quality scoring chances. Later in the period, defenseman Roman Polak gave Bernier some help as he dived to knock the puck away from Kings captain Dustin Brown.
Bernier got a glove on Gaborik's shot in the third from in tight and Grabner went down the ice for his first goal. He scored again and assisted on Komarov's second of the night to put the game away.
Komarov improved his team-leading total to 13 goals. Froese got his first in his 25th game.
NOTES: The Maple Leafs experienced a scare late in the second period when defenseman Morgan Rielly slid awkwardly into the boards. Rielly returned for the third. ... Coach Mike Babcock said the Maple Leafs will recall an extra forward before the holiday roster freeze. Their next game is Monday at Colorado.
