It's so nice to have an AHL affiliate that plays in the same city as the NHL team, isn't it? You don't have to worry about whether or not your recalls are going to get there on time, because they're just a short drive away.
Okay, so it probably works a little better when the teams are actually in Toronto, but the concept still applies. Especially when the NHL version was playing in Toronto last night, and the AHL version is scheduled to do so tomorrow, so a quick meet up to all get to Pittsburgh together is feasible.
This is all paying off in spades for the Toronto Maple Leafs today. Byron Froese is injured, so up comes Mark Arcobello, last seen on Oct. 26 when the Leafs were playing the Arizona Coyotes. It's been almost two months not in the NHL for him.
Arcobello played a fourth line role for the Leafs and had no points, but with the Marlies, he's posted 27 points in 23 games. At the very least, he should be a good depth option for the team.
Meanwhile, in more dire news: all of the Leafs' goalies are dead. Or at least it feels that way.
Leafs were trying to be careful with Reimer. Waited nearly a month after recurrence of injury. Then opted for him in 3rd period of 6-2 game.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) December 30, 2015 Appears Antoine Bibeau has been recalled by the Leafs. Garret Sparks moved to injured reserve.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) December 30, 2015 James Reimer is down! So is Garret Sparks! Jonathan Bernier is starting again! Bernier gave up six goals on 15 shots last night, so this should be fun!
Even more fun is the chaos created for the Marlies. Ray Emery is sick, so he can't play. Bibeau and Sparks are obviously no longer options. So up comes Ryan Massa, Orlando Solar Bears goalie who has been signed to a PTO so he can play for the Marlies, who... really have no options.
Here's to everybody getting healthy ASAP, because this is some kinda crazy chaos in net, and that's without Bernier being 2015-16 Bernier.
Bibeau has yet to make his NHL debut, so hopefully he's ready, just in case.