It’s been difficult to predict when Jonathan Bernier will find success this season. He gave up 14 goals in a three-start span in late November, then responded with three consecutive solid appearances against Nashville, Anaheim and Phoenix (albeit in a relief role), but then allowed six goals to Philadelphia and five goals to Nashville. Now, at the end of this so-far-rough homestand, the Kings turn back to Bernier, knowing that they face back-to-back games in Dallas and St. Louis on Monday and Tuesday. Perhaps, with the Kings honoring Rogie Vachon tonight — and remember, it’s a 7 p.m. start — a little of that French-Canadian goalie mojo will rub off on Bernier. This morning, I asked Terry Murray what he needed to see from Bernier tonight…
MURRAY: “We’re not asking for anybody to be extraordinary here right now. We want people to be good players. We want everybody to do the right thing, and Bernier is no different. Quick is no different. We want them to give us the saves. There are going to be times when they have a grade-A scoring chance (against), and then we ask for a great save. But we’re just looking for the goaltenders to be good. Give us the saves, and we have to check and do the right things on the defensive part of the game. And that part of the game hasn’t been too bad. I go back through this whole thing. There were a couple of games where we were outshot and outplayed, and the scoring chances were high, but overall, we’re not above the average of what we’ve been establishing over the last couple years.”
Bernier has an opportunity to get some serious game time here by showing he’s the ‘Hot Hand’. If he tears it up tonight and we win nicely because of him, almost guaranteed TM will start him in Dallas and give him more games while Quick is trying to figure things out. The last start in Dallas for Bernier went very well IIRC.
C’mon Bernie…get hot man.
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LomitaKingsFan Reply:
January 15th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
@Cynic, Yup. This is probably going to be his best (probably only) opportunity to give Quick a challenge for the #1 role. He needs to step up big time tonight and show what he is capable of.
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Guss Reply:
January 15th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
O@Cynic, agree, and i dont think quick needs much figurin out.. Just that stick handling and easy goals, other then that, the horrible defensive zone play is to blame
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oldthunder Reply:
January 15th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
@Cynic, Totally agree with you. If he doesn’t take the bull by the horns now he may never get that chance again.
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I’m asking for anyone to be extraordinary tonight.
or just show up and play with heart. maybe that might win you the game Kings!
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This is the problem, coach.
Start demanding extraordinary play and maybe we can reach an extraordinary level.
DEMAND MORE.
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This is a very tough time for a lot of us fans. On the one hand you got the Kings who are inconsistent which is so typical with young players under 27. On the other hand, we can all see that their are lots of young players in Manchester and the juniors that are going to keep getting better. I still dont like the coaching that I have seen from these 3 coaches, that being said, unless Dean has some other people in mind, I guess we are stuck for the moment.
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Dominick Reply:
January 15th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@puck73, I’m with you. Gotta think they’ll work their way out of it, but current trends are leading to doubt. Tough times indeed.
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Lots of people here have burnt Bernie on his play,not me!!! I ain’t worried about Bernie having a bad first season with dreadful numbers etc…it sure as hell ain’t uncommon for a young rookie goaltender to have a first and sometimes second bad season,especially when ur backup! Luongo,fleury,miller came into the league with very high expectations and started off poorly! Like Dean once said “the goaltending position is unique with a different approach,they gotta be prepared both mentally and phisically” unlike other positions where the player gets better by constantly playing. So hang in there Bernie boi! Learn and absorb it all cause ur time will come to shine!!!
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TM should tell Bernier or Quick and rest of the team that We will keep you in until we out of this mess. All players should we told that this their role. Checking or scoring so player have some sense to play their role. Right now nobodys play is being questioned but their position in the line is. why is that doesnt terry know who suits what position as a NHL coach. Kings need a leader to lead the team. Andy Murray used to make player right a letter over and over about their mistakes. Just try anything please get this team on track. Put some rockey music just anything to get this team going. I thought that was a good idea when Hawks brought their moms to beat the kings. Maybe we should try that.
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I know thing will work themselves out in a matter of time. The organization is trying to build a long term contender. There are going to be growing pains and we are going through one of those growth periods right now. Don’t panic. The turtle wins the race not the rabbit.
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