Maple Leafs to start goaltender Bernier on Tuesday

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier, fresh off a 10-day conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, will start Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, coach Mike Babcock told the Maple Leafs website after practice Monday.

"That's what it's all about, we need everyone playing the best they can be. Here's the opportunity he's looking for to get his game back to where he feels good about it," Babcock said.

Bernier had shutouts in his first three AHL starts before giving up five goals in losing to the Utica Comets on Sunday. He had a .948 save percentage in four games.

He is 0-8-1 in nine games for the Maple Leafs with a 3.28 goals-against average and .888 save percentage.

With Bernier in the AHL and veteran James Reimer bothered by a groin injury, Garret Sparks had started four of the past five games for the Maple Leafs with Antoine Bibeau backing up. Bibeau has been returned to the Marlies.

Reimer was on the ice Monday, but Babcock told TSN he has no idea when he will return.