Here is another sign that Bernier is ready to return from a groin strain that forced him to miss the last five games. We will wait for confirmation from Randy Carlyle. Bernier is 25-16-7 with a 2.61 GAA and .925 SV% this season. His potential return could not have come at a better time. The Leafs are sliding in the wrong direction in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Tonight, they have a tough test with the Blues in town.

Bernier is in the 'starter's crease, taking shots while Reimer and MacIntyre share the other net, it really looks like he will be back tonight vs. the Blues. He has missed the last five games with a groin strain, we await confirmation after the morning skate.

James Reimer is struggling big time with Bernier sidelined, so the Leafs are hoping his return comes sooner rather than later, but it is unknown if he will be back Tuesday vs. St. Louis. Monitor his status during tomorrow's morning skate.

Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle said that Bernier is still dealing with a groin problem and will not play tonight, but did not rule him out for Sunday. James Reimer will start in goal with Bernier out.

Updating an earlier report. Today was the first time that Bernier has taken part in a full practice since suffering a groin strain. It was not believed that he would be able to play in this weekend's back-to-back set, but now he is looking more questionable that doubtful. His status will be determined on Saturday morning.

Bernier has missed the last three games with a groin strain that he suffered on March 13th. Just because he was back at practice, groin injuries, especially for goalies, require a lot of patience. The Leafs are in action on Saturday and Sunday, but don't expect to see Bernier between the pipes just yet. However, this is a great step for the Leafs' number-1.

Bernier will miss his third straight game tonight, but stepping on the ice this morning is a good sign. He remains day-to-day.

A number of goalies have battled groin strains this season, all missed different amounts of time. Groin injuries are very touchy, especially with goalies, so it is hard to pinpoint how long Bernier will be out. Monitor his status on a day-to-day basis.

Bernier was injured in the first period of Thursday's win over the Kings. The Maple Leafs have caught a break with the injury not being serious. However, it will cost him at least one game, James Reimer will start and Drew MacIntyre will serve as his backup.

Bernier had allowed two goals on 10 shots before not returning to the net for the second period. James Reimer came in and closed the door on all 31 shots that he faced to preserve the 3-2 victory for the Leafs. Bernier has been excellent this season, a serious injury would be awful for Toronto. If he does miss a lengthy period of time, that obviously boosts James Reimer's value.

Hamilton was a healthy scratch in each of the last two games but draws back in tonight vs. Phoenix. He will be paired with Zdeno Chara.

Bernier was excellent stopped 43 of 44 shots in a 3-1 win over the Ducks on Monday. To nobodies surprise, Bernier will get the call tonight vs. the Kings, it will be his first time back in Staples Center since being traded to the Leafs. He is 3-0-1 with a 2.42 GAA and .930 SV% in March. However, LA is one of the NHL's hottest teams right now, so be cautious.

Bernier allowed three goals on 31 shots in a OT win over the Flyers on Saturday. It was his second straight win and 24th of the season. He will be back in goal tonight, but draws a very difficult task as the Leafs get set to face the Ducks in Anaheim. Bernier stopped 23 of 25 shots in a 4-2 win the first time he faced Anaheim.

Bernier allowed two goals on 37 shots in a 3-2 OT win over the Rangers on Wednesday. It was a big win for Bernier who had allowed nine goals in back-to-back losses in his previous two outings. Bernier's Leafs debut came against the Flyers, he allowed one goal on 32 shots in a 3-1 win.

Bernier was given Monday night off, but allowed four goals on 30 shots in a overtime loss to the Canadiens on Saturday. He has allowed nine goals on 65 shots in two starts since the Sochi Olympics. He will go head-to-head with Henrik Lundqvist and could see recently acquired Martin St. Louis if he makes it to New York. Bernier is 0-1-1 with a 3.55 GAA and .920 SV% against New York this season.

Markstrom, 24, was the 31st overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft. He has yet to assert himself as an NHL regular, but will get a chance now in Vancouver to share time with fellow countryman Eddie Lack. The two were teammates back with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League. Markstrom is 1-6-3 with a 3.52 GAA and .874 SV% with Florida this season, but has recently been playing with San Antonio (AHL) where he was 12-11-3 with a 2.56 GAA and .918 SV%.

“He’ll take warm-ups," said head coach Lindy Ruff. "We’re still hopeful that he may be able to go for us, but that’s going to be a game-time decision.” So there is a chance he can play, and they can certainly use him. The 6-4 defenseman leads the team in hits with 128 and is second in blocked shots (behind Alex Goligoski) at 111. Dillon is second on the team in time on ice at 21:25 per game, third in defenseman scoring with 14 points and first in goals by a defenseman at six.

Dillon missed Saturday's game with a lower-body injury and was skating with the injured Stephane Robidas at the Stars' morning skate, which suggests he will not play tonight vs. Buffalo.

There was no word on Dillon's status until he did not come out onto the ice for warmups. The Stars D-pairs will be Goligoski-Daley; Benn-Gonchar; Rome-Connauton with Dillon out.

Despite surrendering five goals on 35 shots (2 SHG) in a 5-4 OT loss to the Tavares-less Islanders on Thursday, the Maple Leafs will turn to Bernier again on Saturday in a huge divisional clash with the Habs. Bernier did not look comfortable after the long layoff, which might be why head coach Randy Carlyle is going right back to him.