#LGRW Daily: Bernier, Greiss look to form one of NHL's most cohesive duos

DETROIT -- In somewhat under-the-radar fashion, Jonathan Bernier emerged as one of the NHL's most consistent goaltenders during the 2019-20 campaign.

Steve Yzerman then took another step to bolster the Detroit Red Wings' depth between the pipes, signing veteran netminder Thomas Greiss as a free agent during the offseason. The club enters the upcoming season with hopes of forming one of the NHL's top goaltending duos.
Bernier appeared in 46 games last season, the third-most of his career and his most appearances since the 2014-15 campaign, when he appeared in 58 games with 55 starts as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played more than 2,500 minutes for the first time in five seasons, tallied the third-most saves (1,227) of his career and collected the win in 15 of the Red Wings' 17 total victories.
Greiss arrived in Hockeytown with 11 years of NHL experience, appearing in 282 games with 248 starts. The German native spent the past five seasons with the New York Islanders, where he racked up 20 or more wins three times. Just two seasons ago, in 2018-19, Greiss started 39 games and recorded career bests with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.

According to coach Jeff Blashill, the Red Wings will feel more than comfortable with either Bernier or Greiss anchoring the Red Wings' defensive corps.
"I think both of them have been good," Blashill said. "I think Thomas has done a good job, has impressed in a lot of ways. He's good pro. He just comes and does his work. There's not a lot else to worry about. He just totally does his job and he's done a good job at it. I think we're going to rely on both guys. Both guys are going to be important on our hockey team."

Blashill, a former goalie himself during his collegiate career at Ferris State, sees tremendous value in having multiple goaltenders with versatile skill sets, but that are equally committed to winning.
"I think one of the characteristics that I've always looked for, that I know that Steve (Yzerman) has looked for, is guys that are selfless," Blashill said. "Guys that care about winning equal to that of their own personal success. I think that's what the best goalie tandems ultimately are. It won't be one individual that's going to push us to winning more games, it's going to have to be as a group. I think as goalie partners, when you're really good people and you care about the team equal that of yourself, you can really end up building a good friendship with your goalie partner."
The Red Wings will have one more dress rehearsal on Sunday night, when the puck is dropped for the final Red & White scrimmage beginning at 7 p.m. from the BELFOR Training Center. Detroit will open its 2020-21 season against the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, Jan. 14.