James Reimer leading on and off the ice.

Leadership can come in some unexpected places. Look no further than Toronto, where James Reimer called out his teammates following Tuesday’s loss.  

He – and his team – responded on Thursday beating Phoenix. In the midst of turmoil and crisis, Reimer’s solid play and strong words off the ice, helped ease the concern in Leaf nation – for the time being anyway.  

“Theres never an excuse,” said Reimer following an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Florida on Tuesday. “Injuries. Tired. I’ts all bs. Those are excuses and they are useless.”

The usually laid back James Reimer was anything but, following a poor effort by his teammates Tuesday. The Leafs netminder backed up those harsh words, taking charge himself, with a 34 save effort in a shootout win over Phoenix on Thursday. 
 
“You always want a chance to be a leader. I think everyone in here can be a leader,” said Reimer on Friday morning. “It doesn’t take much besides going out there and working your butt off really.”

In his 4^th NHL season, Reimer has had his share of hurdles to overcome.

He’s suffered various injuries.

While he has earned the trust of fans, he has never earned the trust of management. He’s constantly had to fight to keep his job.

He’s had to endure trade speculation. As a restricted free agent, his future in Toronto is uncertain.

Those distractions haven’t had an impact.  With a strong work ethic, and his dynamic play, Reimer has plenty of respect in the room.

“He lets his play do a lot of the talking for him,” said teammate Tyler Bozak. “If something needs to be said he will say it and you will listen. He doesn’t say much but when he does it’s always of importance and guys pay attention.”

“If you play the game with honesty and integrity and you don’t take shifts off or for a couple of minutes off, if you play true than you are a leader,” added Reimer.

Reimer hasn’t sulked this season, while splitting time with Jonathan Bernier. It isn’t a perfect scenario, but Reimer has used the competition to fuel him.

Both goalies are the biggest reasons why the Leafs are still clinging to a playoff spot. The two are in the NHL’s top 10 in save percentage.

“When there’s another world class goalie beside you it pushes you.  From day to day activities from practice to game skates to games you have to be at your best every day,” said Reimer.

 “They are having career years,” noted Coach Randy Carlyle. “That’s one heck of a statement for leadership.”

Leading be example suits Reimer just fine.