Bernier deputised as the starting goaltender in the final stages of the regular season, when Gibson was injured. He continued as the starter into the playoffs. Bernier then went 13 straight games without a regulation loss. He finished the regular season having played in 39 games, winning 21 of them. Gibson returned to the starter role in time for the playoffs. Bernier made his first playoff appearance for the Ducks in the third game against the Calgary Flames, when he replaced Gibson mid-game in 5-4 comeback victory. His next appearance was in the conference finals, when Gibson was injured in 3-1 defeat to the Nashville Predators on May 20, 2017. Bernier made his first career playoff start in the following Game 6, but allowed 4 goals in 16 shots as the Ducks were eliminated on May 22, 2017.