Toronto Maple Leafs James Reimer close to return, maybe Monday

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer is close to a return after straining his MCL on Feb. 11. Reports out of Toronto suggest the Leafs number one goalie could be back as early as Monday night in a road tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Reimer first got back skating Feb. 20 in a short session with goalie coach Rick St. Croix but he looked tentative and didn't skate with the team. Since, however, he's looked stronger in two full workouts with his teammates and after practice Sunday coach Randy Carlyle didn't rule the possibility of him playing against the Flyers. It was against the Flyers, in Toronto, that Reimer strained his knee stretching to make a save. Initially the Leafs said he'd be out "at least a week". In his absence Ben Scrivens went 3-3 with two shutouts. There was some question going into the season about the Leafs' goaltending but it is proving to be a strong suit. Scrivens is 5-5 with a 2.19 GAA and a .929 SV % to go along with his two shutouts, while Reimer is 6-3 with a 2.31 GAA, also a .929 SV % and one shutout.