Horachek on Leafs' Reimer: 'He's been a good soldier'

At the beginning of the 2013-14 season, after the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for goaltender Jonathan Bernier, an instant battle ensued for playing time between the new acquisition and James Reimer.

Bernier ended up winning the battle and was named the starting goaltender for the 2014-15 season, forcing Reimer into back-up duties.

With the Maple Leafs now struggling in all facets of the game, including goaltending, Reimer has recently received more playing time, earning his 8th victory of the season on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators. 

He's also worked his way into head coach Peter Horachek's good books, earning the start Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The recent on and off-ice performance of Reimer has prompted some kind words from his bench boss.

“All year long there was a lot of talk of the conflict last year and him wanting to be a No. 1 goalie,” Horachek told Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun. 

“There have been times when his play has been up and down, but he’s been a good soldier all year long. He’s worked hard in practice, he’s worked hard when he gets any opportunities. He’s been a quality person.”

Reimer is 8-15-0 with a goals-against average of 3.23.