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TORONTO – This was what Jonathan Bernier wanted all along. This is what he pined for as the backup in Los Angeles, stuck for years in the shadow of Jonathan Quick. And yet now that hes finally gripped hold of his first No. 1 job in the NHL, the 25-year-old knows that satisfaction is far from being attained. "Things can change," he said, mindfully. "You can be a No. 1 for 10 years and then next day, youre a backup. My goal is not to be a No.1 for a year or half a season, I want to be a good goalie for a long time, hopefully." Just 33 starts into that quest – by far the most of his NHL career – Bernier is off to a fine beginning. Starting for the 13th time in the past 17 games against the Lightning on Tuesday night, Bernier stopped 40 shots, including one of game-saving proportions on Martin St. Louis in the final moments. It was the kind of load-bearing performance that has become more norm than exception for Bernier, who is tied for sixth in the NHL in save percentage and fourth in even-strength save percentage among goaltenders with at least 20 starts. "When I got traded, I knew that was my chance to prove what I can do in this league," said Bernier, who is 5-1-0 in his last six starts. "My main focus was always to be a No. 1 guy and Ive still got a lot to learn, but I think Im moving towards that." He and James Reimer traded starts until mid-December before the crease eventually tilted in favour of the Laval, Quebec native. His performance month-to-month has rarely wavered – .933 save percentage in October, .923 in November, .932 in December and .915 so far in January. "I knew Randy, the type of coach he was," said Bernier of head coach Randy Carlyle, "I knew I had to really battle to earn [the job] which is the good way. You dont want anything for free in life. [But] I didnt really focus on how many games I was playing, I think I was just focusing on getting better every day and every game and it just worked out that I started playing good and he kept me in." Maybe most notable in his year-long efforts has been his ability to withstand a nightly barrage of shots and chances, a far cry from the Kings, who were a constant amongst the NHLs best defensive teams. In fact, Bernier is facing 11 more shots per start this season with the Leafs (35) than a year ago in Los Angeles. He sits a sparkling 7-1-2 when challenged with 40 shots or more. "I think we can still improve as a team," he said honestly of the groups performance. "[Were] still giving up a lot of scoring chances, especially I thought last game wasnt our best one, but were coming out with wins. I think if we want to be successful in the playoffs – Ive been through that – youve really got to bear down defensively and be a good defensive team." Though the goalie competition has gradually evolved into a one-man job, Bernier understands that he is a long ways from proven as a No. 1 starter in this league. But he also carries a certain degree of pride and quiet confidence knowing that hes accomplished what he set out to do upon landing in Toronto. "Its not like I said yesterday I made it, Im a No. 1, I think youre just going day by day," he said. "Obviously, Im happy the way things turned out." Greg Maddux Jersey . Catch the action live on TSN2 at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. The Wild lead the Northwest Division and look to get back into the win column after having a season-high seven-game winning streak cut short with Tuesdays 2-1 loss at Winnipeg in the finale of a five-game road trip (4-1-0). Andre Dawson Jersey . -- Dee Ford prefers to keep things simple: Play hard and fast, and let others worry about his NFL draft stock. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Fergie-Jenkins-Kids-Jersey/ . Torres tells Spanish daily AS "in football you never know where you will be inside one month. Im going to work hard, thats all you can do with this last part of the season so important. Drew Smyly Jersey . 25 against Miami. Hillis left Browns Stadium about two hours before kickoff, a decision that has led to speculation he was upset over ongoing negotiations with the club on a contract extension. Ron Santo Jersey . Fans holding laudatory signs started showing up at Yankee Stadium when the gates opened at 4 p.m. Monday, an hour early in order to give them a chance to watch the New York captain take batting practice.A reality check. It was an all-around difficult night for Toronto FC at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. The Los Angeles Galaxy, the best team in Major League Soccer, put on a clinic a€“ not always dominant but absolute thorough in performance and approach a€“ in a 3-0 win over the Reds. Toronto FC wasna€?t that bad. The Galaxy were that good. The loss was a predictable set-back, one that Toronto FC Head Coach Greg Vanney seemed resigned to. A point would have been massive, and altogether unexpected against a team who has now scored an incredible 31 goals in their last 10 matches. And oh yeah, by the way, the Galaxy own the best defensive record in MLS as well. Vanneya€?s starting XI suggested wishful thinking. The play on the field backed up that assumption. Toronto FC had positive moments: Luke Moore going off the post in the 29th minute, better consistency in team shape, a willingness to put higher pressure on the ball rather than sitting back far too deep, and a spirited second half performance. These are small moral victories. Ita€?s points that are needed. With four games to go, winning is mandatory. 10 points from 12 would ensure playoff qualification. Nine points may be suffice. The best news with Columbus and New York still to play one another, Toronto FC controls their playoff destiny. All is to play for with Houston (Wednesday) and New York (Saturday) ahead this week. Here are my five thoughts coming out of Toronto FCa€?s 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Rocking Robbie a€“ Two mistakes. Thata€?s all it takes for Robbie Keane to punish. Toronto FC was well aware of the threat posed by the Irishman in what has been an MVP caliber season for Keane, third in MLS in goals and tied for second in assists. The sloppy defending on the Galaxy striker in a span of three first half minutes was altogether disappointing. TFC started the match well, with Steven Caldwell and Nick Hagglund seemingly up for the challenge, with multiple timely blocks and important interjections. The positive start was compromised by a momentary lapse in the 22nd minute. Some wonderful passing and movement by Marcelo Sarvas carved open Toronto FC down the middle and ended with Keane getting wrong side on Steven Caldwell inside the box. All he needed was an arms-length worth of space from Torontoa€?s captain to take the deftest of touches before slotting home past Joe Bendik. A goal-scorers goal and one Caldwell will rue. Keane struck again three minutes later, finding himself wide open inside the 18 yard box to volley home from an AJ DeLaGarza cross. The non-existent marking was a head-scratcher, with Hagglund and Kyle Bekker merely spectators to Keanea€?s brilliance. The defending after the 25th minute was much better. But against a quality team as such and a natural finisher as Keane, room for error is minimal. And the points were relinquished in a blink of an eye. Defoe Returns a€“ Many believed it wouldna€?t happen. Most predicted the end. The naysayers were wrong. Jermain Defoe returned for Toronto FC, coming on as a 59th minute substitute replacing Daniel Lovitz. It was Defoea€?s first action since August 23rd recovering from a long-standing groin injury. Defoe looked decent in half an hour of action. Hea€?s a constant threat while on the ball. The problem remains he doesna€?t get the ball at his feet nearly enough. The service to Defoe remains erratic and must improve to get the most out of the player. His first touch of the match was a dangerous ball played across the six-yard box that was cleared away from danger. There is no question Toronto is a markedly improved team with Defoe in it. Vanney deciding to give Defoe a run-out while down 2-0 is a positive sign. The manager would have never risked Defoe if he were not entirely confident in the players fitness. Getting some game action was paramount, as Defoe will be relied upon heavily in the final four games. Torontoa€?s next three opponents have shaky backlines, ripe for Defoe to take advantage. Vanney Risk a€“ How much do your trust the new manager? The decision to leave Gilberto at home to rest the Brazilian striker raised many eye-brows. A designated player not featuring in an all-important game with just five matches to go for a team in desperate need of points fits the bill as questionable. Every point is precious, and leaving a player oof Gilbertoa€?s quality in Toronto is a calculated risk.dddddddddddd Ia€?m in no position to criticize as ita€?s far too premature to know if the decision will pay dividends. A fresh Gilberto is an absolute asset. Cross-country travel takes its toll. And better use the striker in more winnable matches. At least thata€?s the thought process. Give Vanney and the brain-trust credit: ita€?s a gusty decision. If Gilberto stars in the final four games, call it a move of tactical brilliance. If not, criticism will follow. Mark Bloom was likewise rested, nursing a knock (knee). In fairness, Bloom needs the rest, struggling to a degree after returning from an MCL injury suffered in July. Collen Warner and Defoe also started on the bench. There is no question a team with Bekker, Dominic Oduro shifted up front, and Warren Creavalle making a rare start is a weaker side. These decision however cannot be seen as game-altering, especially against the mighty Galaxy. Standard Set a€“ Last weeka€?s win over the Portland Timbers was a feel good moment: beating a team sitting in a playoff spot in a very good Western Conference is no small feat. Being at the level to compete with the Galaxy, the gold standard in MLS is another step yet to be taken altogether. The Galaxy are of the quality Toronto needs to aspire to. It doesna€?t just come through two marquee signings and/or just one off-season of positive changes. Ita€?s a gradual build. The star-power of the likes of Keane, Donovan and Omar Gonzalez is plain to see. Ita€?s squad consistency, players of quality who have been brought through the system who remain with the team for years on end which is key to team success. Los Angelesa€? blueprint under the leadership of Bruce Arena has developed incredible consistency and fluidity within the team. Finding and recognizing talent is paramount to the model. Second year striker and 16 goal scorer Gyasi Zardes is testament to talent recruitment and development. There is a disconnect between the Galaxy approach and the revolving door of players that have set-back Toronto FC season after season. Toronto FCa€?s front office is well aware of this. The Galaxy have the synergy of star power and squad depth Toronto FC will attempt to mirror themselves after. Feast on the East a€“ Toronto FC is done with the Western Conference. Four Eastern Conference games lay ahead (Houston, at New York, Montreal, at New England). That should make Toronto FC supporters very happy a€“ the East is inferior in quality to Western competition. It was mostly a good news weekend elsewhere in the East for TFC. Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Rais Mbohlia€?s mishit clearance in the 92nd minute Thursday gifted the Chicago Firea€?s Robert Earnshaw the ball. The former Toronto FC striker lobbed his effort past the Algerian international for the equalizer, ending in a 1-1 draw, standing as the most important goal he has ever scored to benefit TFC. The Union are a point back of Toronto in seventh with only three games to go. The only negative happening was the New York Red Bulls opening a four-point gap on Toronto with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. New York was dominant Saturday, with Thierry Henrya€?s 10th goal of the season the difference in the win. Good news for Toronto FC however, Tim Cahill was sent off shortly after coming on as a second half substitute. Cahill will miss next weekenda€?s match against Toronto while away on international duty, and will be suspended the following match against Columbus. A significant loss for the Red Bulls. The best news of the weekend was the New England Revolution beating the Columbus Crew 2-1, with Jermaine Jones scoring the winner in back-to-back weeks. The Columbus loss leaves the Crew fifth place in the conference, just three points up on Toronto with the Reds having a game in hand. The Revs are now in second place on 48 points: another positive with Toronto scheduled to play New England the final day of the season. That final meeting may be irrelevant for the Revs, having already clinched their playoff position, playing into Torontoa€?s favour. A positive context and schedule lay ahead for the Reds. Ita€?s a matter of Toronto FC taking advantage. A playoff berth is at stake. Next up for Toronto FC is an all-important home match against the Houston Dynamo Wednesday at 730pm ET on TSN 1, 3, 4, 5. ' ' '