Bibeau to make first NHL start for Leafs against struggling Avalanche
TORONTO — Antoine Bibeau will make his first NHL start Sunday night when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the struggling Colorado Avalanche.
A sixth round pick in 2013, Bibeau has gone 6-5-3 with a .907 save percentage in the American Hockey League this season. The 22-year-old was recalled to back up Leafs No. 1 Frederik Andersen earlier this week after Jhonas Enroth was waived and then demoted.
“Just get out there and play,” Leafs coach Mike Babcock said of Bibeau on Sunday morning. “Don’t think, don’t get in your own way. Just like any young player coming with an opportunity there’s always nerves. You’ve got to handle that and be who you are.”
Bibeau got off to a strong start for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, earning AHL goaltender of the month honours in October with a 5-0-1 record, two shutouts and a .944 save percentage in six appearances.