Jonathan Bernier will start in goal for the Kings tomorrow night at Nashville. Terry Murray said he altered his initial plan in a nod to how well Bernier has played in Nashville. Also, Brad Richardson will return to the lineup in place of Kevin Westgarth. More notes and quotes to come…
Solid! Jonathan’s in net!
I wish the season ended after this next game, I can’t take another month of pre-playoff playoffs…
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Kostamojen Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@Stuart, LOL @ “Johnathan’s in net!” But it’s so true. I’m very comfortable with either goaltender right now.
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Micheal Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 10:04 am
@Kostamojen, I agree. I am now comfortable with either goalie in net. Wasnt that way early on in the season but Bernier has turned his game around. Still…Bernier is no Quick yet!! (NO offence Bernier.)
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kennynakamoto Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
@Stuart, LOL for real!!! i look at the standings everyday, i check out everyons schedules, i check espn, lakings insider, tsn, watching ducks games hoping they lose, etc just to see whats going on i hate it lol …… but i would love it to start next game cause that means the ducks wouldnt be in the playoffs =D
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good choice lets keep this win alive GO Kings Go
Go get them Bernier
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Not surprised … Bernie has been a Preds killer.
Good move TM
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jammer06 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
@Ari,
+1
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SHUCHUK Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
@jammer06, lets hope Bernier can keep it up…he seems to have their number since last year.
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good to see jb spelling jq when needed…
i like the rotation that tm and co. have been sticking to…
win or lose, the kings are handling it much better than they did last year…(so far)…
good to see that certain promises have been kept…
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Scot Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@variable,
Isn’t it great seeing the plan that was talked about before the season completely coming to fruition? To rest Quick more down the stretch. We haven’t seen Quick take any kind of nose dive, and I think he’s going to stand on his head in the playoffs.
Anyone see, during the game yesterday, Quick’s stats versus division leaders this season?
Wow!
He is getting up for the big games this year in a big way.
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Newf Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
@Scot, yes Quicker has been solid all year and it’s too bad because he probably won’t get any consideration for the Vezina. JB started out kind of rocky but has been exceptional as of late as well. Rolling 2 hot goalies into the playoffs/stretch is a very awesome thing in my opinion. The boys are playing with truckloads of confidence right now. Kopitar is getting lots of recognition that he deserves (tied for most points since feb 12th i believe) and has been outstanding defensively. now we just need Datsyuk to retire so Kopi has a good shot at some Selke’s.
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variable Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
@Newf,
i think quick will get some consideration, especially if the kings continue to pile up the points and win the pacific division…it could happen, but there’s no doubt he will need more offensive production across the four lines…
Micheal Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 10:07 am
@Newf, I like having two good goalies in the playoffs but I hope we stick to Quick. Bernier is still proned to one bad goal a game…usually in the first period…and in the playoffs we cant afford that.
variable Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
@Scot,
yeah…it’s definitely going well for the two goalies…
quick is going to be the main factor for the kings on a team that relies so heavily on its defensive game…the onus will be on the goaltenders in the playoffs…and to have a well-rested quick…AND…a well-tested bernier…could only help our chances in winning playoff games/series…
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39scars Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
@Scot, entire team plus better in big games. Look@ stars w/o ott n Richards vs game w ott n Richards
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jason Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 5:38 am
@variable, i like the rotation also.. for 2 reasons… the more bernier plays the better he is.. the less quick plays the sharper he looks lol
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I like it. another huge 4-point game. Let’s sweep this roadie. Look at how much nearly every team in the western playoff picture is playing their starting goalies, lately. Some of these guys, like rinne and lehtenon and kiprusoff and others have played like 20 games straight, or there abouts. atleast one or two of these guys is gonna fade before or during the playoffs.
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Newf Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
@Stone, yes what made me laugh was the flames starting kipper for 20-ish straight, then play their backup and lose. haha
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54FIGHTING Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 9:38 am
@Stone,
That’s 3 teams that will have a hard time making the playoffs. Everyone has games in hand over Calgary. Dallas has a terrible schedule – it’s brutal. Nashville should make it but we’ll see.
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THIS…IS…ACCEPTABLE!!!! /end Leonidas voice.
with 2 goalies playing as well as they are, i really don’t think TM can do any wrong here, especially given JB’s history against NSH. Richie back in means more balanced shifts for our RWs in the 3rd period (and game in general)
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Tom Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:06 am
@Newf, Agreed! Over due.
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good move on playing Richardson over Westgarth as well
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TM should show the team some video of the Islanders game to show the team not to let up at then end of a road trip.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
@sstephen17, Or show them the standings, which have the 9th and 10th place teams in conference just three and four points behind them, respectively? Some pretty good teams are going to miss the playoffs. Imagine what a run of three or four losses would do!
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thank you for putting richie back in, i think at this point we trust both goalies enough and with a game every other day they could use the rest.
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Bernier in for nashville=Sweet Deal
Richardson in for Westgarth=Yeah man!
What does Westgarth do with only getting 3-5 mins of ice time a game the world may never know! haha
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KingsGuy Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@Matthew Motush, He gets put on the ice to stir it up with some “goons”.
Then he claps his hands, all pumped up, as he skates away from the scurmage and into the box… LOL. I love it.
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So is the rotation ongoing or do you figure Quick will get St. Louis and Anaheim?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@hammer, I don’t know about St. Louis, but I’d definitely want to see Quicker against the Schmucks.
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Reunite Richie with Simmer on the Zuess line and we have a real, 4 line attack. Poni has been playing great offensive hockey of late, but still think Richie and Simmer have great chemistry together…
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Harry Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@dcaps55, I would leave Richie on the 4th line, as the 3rd line is playing very solid, and got us the GWG yesterday…
That line started out very well, until Poni got injured. I think they are clicking and finding chemistry once again.
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I think this is a good idea. Bernier has had Nashville’s number and I think this is one of those instances where you play the goalie who has a proven track record against a team that has always given us trouble.
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The only problem I see with Bernier is when Bernier gets to the shootout. He really struggles in the shootout and Quick is just lights out in the shootout. Maybe a goalie change right before OT. LOL, that would be sweet, but highly unlikely for so many reasons.
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Skebo,
If it comes down to it, let Bernier have the chance to improve on that himself. Hopefully it doesn’t come down to that because I don’t want to see Nahville get any points what so ever.
Win or lose, I still like TM’s decision to use J2.
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Skebo Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@Dominick, Bernier sucked in shootouts in the AHL too. I don’t see his game changing that much in the near term.
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
@Skebo, He’ll never get better if you don’t play him in those situations. Growing pains suck, and sometimes you have to take a loss for it. 5 years down the line, he’ll be better because of it. At some point it will change, and maybe we can be lucky enough to point to a game like this one to say I saw when it happened.
I’m glad the goalie contraversy we had last week is starting to subside. I really didn’t understand why there even was one, but hey, now everybody seems focused.
Quick has restored confidence in the fanbase, Bernier is starting to click at just the right time to allow the Kings to rest Quick down the stretch, and the universe is starting to unfold as it should.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Dominick, As long as both goaltenders are great…
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KC23 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Dominick, Never was any contraversy. When you start seeing stuff in the press you might have one, but really has never been one with these two. TM is playing it perfect with these two goalies and should get some credit.
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@KC23, I agree. There never was in my mind, but there was alot of Bernier vs Quick posts last week, and Why play Quick when Benrier is better posts. I saw that as contraversy.
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Why change the lineup when they;re winning games??
Westgarth has played very well, as have the team with him in the lineup.
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fsd1 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
@Eric, Simple, very simple there is no need for an enforcer against nashville.
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Eric Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@fsd1,
Why not make them adjust to the kings dressing an enforcer?
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Skebo Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
@Eric, goons need a dance partner. It’s not likely that anybody will on the Preds will drop them with Westgarth, so it’s a waste to dress him. Clifford/Simmonds can handle the physical side of things with the Preds and we could really use the speed of Richardson on the backcheck against the speedy Preds team.
Eric Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Skebo
I understand what you’re saying and agree with you somewhat. I don’t mind rolling four lines. But, what I don’t like is Murray constantly changing the lineup when they’re winning.
John Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@Eric,
Well now, it seems to be working though, no?!
twnclick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Eric, I don’t think enforcers will be that much of a factor with the Conference being so tight. Most teams are going to be concentrating on points and not risking PKs.
Capt Jam Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
@Eric,
The 4 or 5 shifts KW played were invaluable, no doubt. Really, he could’ve been more productive sitting in the first row behind the DAL bench making funny faces with the mutton chops he’s sporting these days.
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Eric Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@Capt Jam,
So, Richardson gets four more shifts than Westgarth, big deal. Seriously, the fourth line will not get a consistent shift, regardless if Westgarth is dressed or not. IMO, the Kings have plenty of Richardson similar players, i.e., third liners. They don’t need another.
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uknojata Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@Eric, Hey man, I think we may be the only two people that appreciate what Westy brings to the lineup. And I think has looked pretty solid on the forecheck as of late. I don’t see him being a liability as many peps keep insisting. However, I don’t mind when Terry sits him against teams that don’t match up against him. But it does drive me nuts when everyone acts like the world is coming to an end when he makes the roster. Bottom line, swapping fourth line players has little impact either way. The exception is when we don’t match an opposing team’s heavyweight, we get taken advantage of.
Capt Jam Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Eric,
It is a huge deal. The momentum of a hockey game can be turned in one shift. Our 4th line has done that many times this season. Appparently when you weren’t watching.
Capt Jam Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@Eric,
Not to mention that TM’s quote today that he wants to play four lines against NAS leads me to believe that the fourth line is going to get a regular fourth line shift – and that he can’t play four lines when Frankenstein is in there.
John Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@Capt uknojata,
I think you two are!
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KC23 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
@Eric, In a way were aren’t changing anything, because we are not stopping our habit of changing.
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Eric Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@KC23,
Lol. Good point.
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Skebo Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@KC23, if the coach doesn’t make changes, then why pay him?
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Ian Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@Skebo, Exactly. I thought it was crazy when Gilette came out with a new Mach 3. But guess what, it was a little better.
i’ve said it a couple times leading up to this game: its poor preperation to not allow Quick a start ALL YEAR against this club. what happens if the Kings meet NASH in the playoffs? Quick is the number 1 and he hasnt played agaist NASH all season. he goes in against them in a 7 game series, or they swap from their plan of going with a clear #1 and go with JB cause he’s a “Nashville killer”?
there is a perfect opportunity to give Quick this game, because despite JB’s dominance against NASH, he had a stinker (like the whole club did) in his last meeting on Jan 6th, a loss 5-2.
i’m obviously not one to second guess TM’s decisions, especially in regards to the goaltending rotation where he has been great with that area all year, but i’m just foresighting a potential preparation lapse.
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Capt Jam Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
@jayhay,
“i’m obviously not one to second guess TM’s decisions, especially in regards to the goaltending rotation”
…but that’s exactly what you’ve done, man.
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
@jayhay,
I see your point, but Quick has had a front row seat in all the Nashville games, and enough games under him to be able to make the adjustment. Honestly I don’t think at this point it even matters because either goalie will give us a fair opportunity to win, because their both playing well, even when they lose.
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jayhay Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Dominick, i think that if, big “if” mind you, the Kings meet Nash in the playoffs, this will the biggest storyline. a lot of people will ask “how did JQ not get ONE start against them?!?!”
that said, good luck JB and go get 2 points!!
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
@jayhay, Some will ask. More will ask how Nashville gets by one of the best defensive teams in the league, and a goaltender that is near the top in almost all goaltender catagories. It’s a fair question, but the answer is a fair one too.
Michael J. Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
@jayhay,
Maybe the plan is not giving Nashville the chance to see Quick…
Don’t worry, once the playoffs come it will be Quick all the way, unless something unforeseen occurs.
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KC23 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@jayhay, Who is to say Bernier doesn’t go against Nashville in a playoff series?
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
@jayhay, i dont see use facing Nash at all
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Hope this doesn’t go into shootout!
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Michael J. Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@Mikey,
A point on the road would be great! I would be happy with 7 out of 8 possible points on the trip.
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Mikey Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Michael J., I want 8 of 8.. cuz im greedy
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Mikey, Honestly I’m more worried about a loss. If we get 1 point out of that game and the other Jonathan loses in a shootout, I’ll take it. Obviously 2points is better, but any thing less than 1 will suck.
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danny Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Mikey, this whole i hope it doesnt go to a shootout thing is already old. lets move on and just expect a win in regulation.
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Mikey Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@danny, of course i am hoping for a regulation win, but to expect a win is something i learned not to do. Last time i expected that, Garbner scored a shorty in that beat down of a game- a game that should have been a gimme. Berny’s best feature isn’t on the shoot out- so, i say again.. i hope this doesn’t go to a shootout.
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I hope the 2nd line can get back on track. It’s been weak lately. I like the line but it needs to produce regularly and get back to being a + on the +/- stat.
If not, I’m sure TM will put either Poni or Simmonds on the line to get it moving (not my favorite plan, but it may be necessary). But that would mean Smyth or Brown drops to the 3rd line.
I’ve also noticed that Smyth doesn’t play on the PP lately; that’s where he produces a lot around the net.
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rick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@King John, Williams was obviously the guy who made the second line go, and without him Smyth and Stoll have dipped. I also think that Brown is not a good match for those two, for whatever reason. I would drop him from that line and replace him with either Riohardson or Simmonds. Not sure where Brown goes if Simmonds stays on 3rd line, but we have to somehow get more production out of the 2nd and 3rd lines.
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KC23 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@King John, Smyth has been weak lately. I think he needs a game off or two. We’ll need him fresh in the playoffs.
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cool, play one game and your out,hard to take the #1 spot when your only allowed to play one game in a row. Im starting to dislike TM.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
@brymaster1, Giving the #1 spot to Bernier was never the plan.
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brymaster1 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, yes i know, TM said he want Quick to “Take” the #1 spot, its hard to do that when he is only getting one game and getting the bench. Its called having confidence in your #1 guy.
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Sebastian Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
@brymaster1, hes done worse things. haha
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KC23 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
@brymaster1, Yeah, the team has really suffered lately because of TM’s decissions. Look how poorly these last two road trips have gone as a result.
/sarcasim
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@brymaster1, It’s not clear which Goalie you are referring to. No matter, you are wrong either way. TM is doing the right thing on this one. (As well as most other things BTW). It is not about who starts how many in a row, it is what is best for the TEAM. And last I checked Quick is winning most of his starts, and Bernier is winning most of his. Which do you want more:”your” Goalie to be the #1 or this team to clinch a playoff spot?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
@HockeyNerd, In all fairness, Bernier has a losing record this season. He IS playing well of late, though.
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brymaster1 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@HockeyNerd, How am I wrong? TM said he wanted to see Quick take the #1 spot, but refuses to give him more than one game in a row. And I am normally one of the biggest TM supporters, this just doesn’t make sense. he needs to have confidence in his so call #1 guy and play him.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@brymaster1, If Quick isn’t already the #1 Goalie, then I don’t know what the definition of a #1 Goalie needs to be for you. It has nothing WHATSOEVER to do with TM “not having confidence” in Quick. It is about how well Bernier is playing as of late. I repeat, TM decides which to start on a particular night based on what is best for the TEAM. Or do you want to overwork Quick? See 2009-2010 playoff results if you still think that is a good idea.
- ViC - Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 9:51 pm
@brymaster1,
No worries brah, Quick will be our number 1 goalie thru out the playoffs.IMO TM is getting the job well done with the goalie situation.
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I love that we have two goalies I trust and believe in. Not many teams have such a luxury. I’m looking forward to seeing what a well-rested Jonathan Quick can do in the playoffs.
GO KINGS!!!
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I have a feeling we may see JB in 2, maybe 3 games after this (specifically Edmonton, Colorado and 1 of the Anaheim games). We need to keep JQ busy and fine tuned so when we hit the playoffs, he is rested AND at the top of his game. There is still alot of regular season games to be played, but the team is looking good and a win tomorrow pretty much guarantees we will make the playoffs. By the way, talk about season changng games, anyone remember the Detroit game last year when the Red Flings socred that goal with 17 seconds left in the game to tie and then beat us in OT? Remember how horrible we all felt after that and it seemed as if we were never the same after that loss? Well, that must be how Dallas feels today and it was nice for us to be on the right side of one of those games.
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Dominick Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@DesertKing, I remember coming here and defending the Kings from the sky is falling posters. Ahhh! good times. LOL
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KingsFan in OC Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@DesertKing, I agree with you on JB. I think he plays the 21st against Calgary and then the 26th against Colorado. If the West stays as close as it is, I would think the Colorado game is the last game we see JB in the regular season. Quick will be rested, but I think you allow him to get in to a groove and let him play the last 7 straight. Depending on the standings, you might see Bernier in Anaheim on April 8th.
But you’re right 2 maybe 3 more games for Bernier. That will give Quick 59 or 60 games played this season which is what TM promised from the outset of the season. I think Bernier has played enough this season that I won’t worry about him if he is called upon in the playoffs.
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Westie will be back in for the Blues and the Ducks.. As he should be be… Keep hating on the kings Westie haters. They are winning when he plays..
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@dropkickfan, I will defend TM on most things (usually because he just happens to be RIGHT), but not this.
Westgarth usually plays only 3 or 4 minutes. That means that TM doesn’t really have a 4th line in this case, and it reduces his flexibility.
Whoever TM sits instead brings 2 or 3 things to the table. All Westgarth does is fight. And he doesn’t even do THAT very often. Other Kings (Clifford, Greene, Simmonds) can handle those duties AND play some Hockey.
And BTW they are winning LESS often when he plays. Look it up.
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dropkickfan Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@HockeyNerd, You just lost all crdit in your post when you added Greene to that list.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@dropkickfan, So delete “Greene” if you want. I remain unconvinced.
If the Kings have a deep playoff run, Westgarth will be so important that he will…..be in the press box.
Watch.
fsd1 Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@HockeyNerd, you’re doing what others are also, Cliffy, Simmer and greener are NOT heavyweights and would more than likely get killed or injured fighting one. If TM thinks we need him in then we do.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@fsd1, I take it you mean “killed” as a figure of speech, LOL.
Capt Jam Reply:
March 14th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@dropkickfan,
They are winning in spite of when he plays, not because he plays.
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Excellent call with Bernier Coach. I suggested it last night while we were watching Family Guy together at the hotel. I strongly suggested we keep rotating both goaltenders. He agreed. On a separate note discussing the last minute winning Handzus goal, the Kings have never had this scenario happen in their history as far as I know. Even the Miracle On Manchester didn’t include a trading of last minute goals to win a game. This is big time stuff. The Kings are ready to win the Cup now.
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