Jonathan Bernier’s immediate focus will be on tonight’s game, of course, but Bernier is already getting his ticket requests in order for Wednesday, when he will start in goal at Montreal. Bernier is a native of Laval, Quebec, which is less than a half-hour drive from downtown Montreal, and Bernier will get to make the first “home” start of his career.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for me,” Bernier said. “A lot of family is going to be in, and I’ve heard it’s a loud building. I’ve been in that building, but on the ice I’ve heard it’s a great building to play in, so if I do go in, I’ll be excited to play, for sure.”
Terry Murray said was asked about the combination of excitement and pressure Bernier might feel, playing so close to home…
MURRAY: “Good, both ways. You’ve got to learn how to handle it. That’s the nature of our game. There is responsibility, there is pressure, there are big games, and that’s part of the process of growing up and becoming a top pro, is how you handle that stuff emotionally.”
For now, Bernier’s focus is on Buffalo, and on rebounding from Monday’s game, when he took the defeat in a gory 6-3 loss to San Jose. Bernier allowed all six goals, but most observers found little fault in Bernier’s play against the Sharks.
BERNIER: “I thought it was a pretty good game. I felt good in net. I felt confident, but it was one of those games where you don’t get those bounces, but you’ve just got to stick with it.”
Bernier will make his sixth start of the season tonight and will get the chance to get into a bit of a rhythm. Before the San Jose game, Bernier had played only once in the previous 18 days. Murray typically gives his backup goalie a heads up a couple days before a start, but I asked Bernier if he peaked at the schedule to try to predict when he might play…
BERNIER: “I just go day by day. I think it’s not as frustrating if you go day by day, and if you’re not playing, you’ve just got to do your thing and when you get the call, you’ve got to be ready for it.”
That would cool of Murray to give him the Montreal start. I think he’d play his career game there.
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Jay GoLAKings Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@Tyler, He did.
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TD Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@Jay GoLAKings,
Tyler is right, if he gives him the start. Cause we all know that TM like to “pencil in” his starting goalies, you never know.
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The concern for me is written in the first paragraph… is he going to be looking ahead to Montreal tonight??
Why tell him he is starting against Montreal already? Tell him after the game tonight. I don’t want his attention anywhere else.
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Jay GoLAKings Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
@VanKingsFan,
I believe he is focused.
BERNIER: “I just go day by day. I think it’s not as frustrating if you go day by day, and if you’re not playing, you’ve just got to do your thing and when you get the call, you’ve got to be ready for it.”
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VanKingsFan Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
@Jay GoLAKings,
Pulled straight from the dictionary of hockey player cliche’s …Bernier has been doing his homework. BUT he didnt say he was going to give 110% so I dont know if he’s ready … jk
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Jay GoLAKings Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@VanKingsFan, Yeah yeah we hear that all the time in every sport. Bernier knows where he’s at and that means he needs a great game tonight.
Great move by TM, but what else would we expect?
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I got a feeling we’re gonna see Bernier find his game the next two starts. Go get em Bernier!!!
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What is Bernier’s nickname?
Bernie?
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pr0cess Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Jay GoLAKings, yep
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If the Kings lose 2 of 3, or all 3 before Montreal you have to go with Quick…Montreal is playing good and you go with your best lineup and Quick is the best option.
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i just hope our D shows up today and gives Bernier the support he needs and doesnt throw him to the wolves like the SJ game!
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puck73 Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Concur.
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