Detroit Red Wings: Jonathan Bernier gives Thomas Greiss new opportunity

The Detroit Red Wings will be without Jonathan Bernier for at least a game or two, giving Thomas Greiss a chance to step into the crease and get another look. Greiss has not been the smoothest in the crease, but he will be called upon once again with Bernier being out.

In the Detroit Red Wings recent contest against the Dallas Stars, Bernier departed early after sustaining a lower-body injury that left him down and injured behind the net. After departing, Greiss would come in to relieve him, and the Red Wings would go on to win.

However, with Bernier’s depart came the injury report. He is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Even if he misses a game or two, it could be a chance for Greiss to “ride the hot hand” and hopefully snag a win or two.

The 1A and 1B scenario has led to the two netminders splitting time, with Greiss having nearly the same amount of starts as Bernier. However, Greiss will get a chance to try and boost himself as the 1A guy with a strong showing in Bernier’s absence.

Detroit Red Wings netminder Jonathan Bernier missing time due to injury will lead to an opportunity for Thomas Greiss.

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Currently, Bernier has logged 17 games, making 16 starts with an 8-6-0 record, a 2.78 goals-against-average (GAA), and a .918 save-percentage (SV%) for the Red Wings.

On the other hand, Greiss has appeared in 18 games with 15 starts, posting a 2-11-4 record.

Greiss has not been as good as Bernier; he has a .883 SV% and a 3.46 GAA to his name, which is a much more lackluster set of numbers.

Greiss was signed this offseason by General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman and is still looking to get a turnaround on his numbers.

With the discrepancy in stats between Bernier and Greiss, it is clear that Bernier is the 1A guy, but the hope is that Greiss can close the gap between the two.

With Bernier being injured, it will give Greiss a few more starts, and somehow the Red Wings are finding ways to get a few more goals.

If the Red Wings can play some competitive hockey and get some offense in front of Greiss, maybe he can steal a game or two and try to help his GAA and SV% numbers overall. The hope is that Bernier can get back on the ice as quickly as possible, but without him, there is still some hope with Greiss.

Keep an eye on Detroit Red Wings netminder Thomas Greiss with Jonathan Bernier being injured.