SPORTS

Leafs goalie Reimer leaves game against Hurricanes after collision

Neil Davidson The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, October 17, 2013 8:29PM EDT Last Updated Thursday, October 17, 2013 9:44PM EDT

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer is helped by a trainer as the Leafs play the Carolina Hurricanes during first period NHL hockey action in Toronto on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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TORONTO -- Leafs goaltender James Reimer lasted just 32 seconds in goal Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, the victim of an accidental collision with teammate Josh Leivo.

Reimer was trying to corral a rebound with his stick at the side of the net and didn't see Leivo, who could not avoid hitting him as he attended to Nathan Gerbe who was driving at the net. Leivo's knee seemed to connect with Reimer's head as he went by.

The Leafs goalie lay face down and then was tended to by the team trainer as he remained on his knees for some time before skating slowly to the bench. He went straight to the dressing room.

Jonathan Bernier replaced him.

The University of Toronto tweeted that Varsity Blues goalie Brett Willows had been made the emergency backup. Willows, a Habs fan, is a third-year Blue from Rivers, Man.

There was no extra goalie on the bench, however.

Bernier, acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in the off-season, and Reimer, the Leafs' incumbent, have been sharing duties this season, with Toronto coach Randy Carlyle willing to go with the hot hand.

It's not the first time Reimer has suffered a blow to the head.

Two seasons ago, he missed time due to concussion-like symptoms that were later linked to a neck problem. That problem started in October 2011 when he was hit by Montreal's Brian Gionta as he skated through the crease.

That injury disrupted a season that followed Reimer signing a US$5.4-million, three-year contract in the summer. He began the campaign as the Leafs No. 1, winning four of five games.

Then in the sixth game, he collided with Gionta and was sidelined for more than a month. He also finished the season on the sidelines after taking a shot in practice in late March 2012 and experiencing a return of concussion-like symptoms.

Carlyle's policy of rotating goalies this season has paid dividends.

Going into Thursday night's game, the Leafs' 2.29 goals-against average tied them for fifth in the league.

Reimer made 36 saves Tuesday in a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild that saw Toronto outshot 37-14.