James Reimer had a smile on his face after his Toronto Maple Leafs shut out the Edmonton Oilers, but it was clear he isn't going to put up with any more contact in the crease.
Tuesday's 4-0 victory saw Reimer take exception to Oilers forward Nail Yakupov for bowling him over. Reimer was hot as a result of the incident, and teammate Jake Gardiner stepped in to offer Yakupov a lesson.
MORE: Reimer's post-game comments (VIDEO) | Full NHL scoreboard
Gardiner got two minutes for roughing, and Yakupov was banished for goalie interference.
"You're in a vulnerable position," Reimer told the Toronto Star. "You're focused on stopping the puck, not getting hit. With goalies, your career is going to end from either getting your knees blown out or head injuries, maybe your shoulder.
"Sometimes you just have to let everyone know that you're not gonna take it."
Can't blame Reimer for getting sore. The NHL continues to preach safety, and goalies are more vulnerable that most skaters because of their positioning.
The shutout was No. 11 in Reimer's career. He stopped 43 shots to complete the whitewash.
Reimer won't have to worry about his health as much Wednesday. Jonathan Bernier is expected to start against the Calgary Flames, if for no other reason because the Leafs are playing on consecutive nights.