Challenge for Bernier

As posted earlier, Jonathan Bernier will get his third start of the season tomorrow against Chicago. For those keeping track of such things, it’s worth noting that this will be Bernier’s third start in the Kings’ ninth game. Last season, backup goalie Erik Ersberg didn’t make his third start of the season until Dec. 9, in the Kings’ 32nd game. So far, Terry Murray is sticking to his “Rest Quick” plan, although Jonathan Quick will be back in on Thursday. With the way the schedule is set up, Quick could possibly play eight of the next nine games (after Chicago).

But back to Bernier. He will make his first-even start against Chicago and will face the defending Stanley Cup champions in their arena. Murray said Bernier’s start was scheduled from the start of the season — and it fits within his previous explanation, of starting Quick against division rivals — but Murray also seems to enjoy the challenge Bernier will get from the game.

MURRAY: “That’s part of it, and going back to the start of the year, this is just one of the games that we took a lot at, with back-to-backs, and there’s no need to play one goaltender in both of them. It’s going to be a challenge for him against a great hockey club, the defending champions, so I think he’s looking forward to it.”