As posted earlier, Jonathan Quick will get the start in goal tomorrow night against Anaheim. Terry Murray initially planned to have Quick and Jonathan Bernier split the season-ending, back-to-back, home-and-home series against Anaheim, but as Murray often says about his goalie plans, they’re written in pencil. The Kings are taking seriously the idea of finishing fourth in the Western Conference and getting home-ice advantage in the first round, so Murray indicated today that if fourth place is still in play going into Saturday’s game, he would consider starting Quick in both games against the Ducks.
MURRAY: “Quick will play tomorrow, and then I will evaluate as we move through this. There’s so much on the line right now. We’re going to keep going with what I feel is our best lineup, so Quick will play tomorrow and then we’ll see how things shake out after that. … We want home ice. We want to keep winning, keep this thing going. We want to start at home, and Quick will play in that critical game tomorrow.”
Basically what he’s saying is “If Quick wins tomorrow, he will play the next day. If he doesn’t, then it’ll be Bernier.”
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Rob2716 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@Blue Coconuts,
I’m not so sure. Two losses could mean dropping down to 7th or 8th depending on the other teams. Even if the Kings lose tomorrow, TM might see a playoff match-up he likes better with a Kings win on Sunday. This is going to be an exciting weekend.
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Blue Coconuts Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Rob2716, I think the real question is if the Kings play the Preds who gets the Start?
Quick? Our #1 goalie?
Or Bernier? The Preds killer, who can’t be scored on when he’s playing in Nashville?
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Rob2716 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Blue Coconuts,
haha… I was actually wondered about that 3 weeks ago when the Kings won in Nashville.
lowegirl Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Blue Coconuts, That’s actually a really good point you bring up if we wind up playing Naahville. Innnneresting.
Bill M. Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Blue Coconuts, I’ve said this too. Quick is our #1 for any other team, but if we draw Nashville, all we have to do is start Bernier, and the preds would probably be better off to just to forfeit.
vplaza Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Blue Coconuts,
TM will start JQ. The stats say Bernier has a good chance to beat the Preds, but TM won’t coach by the stats in the playoffs.
Capt Jam Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Blue Coconuts,
TM has gone too far with Quick as the no. 1 to pull him from facing the Preds at this stage of the game (even in spite of the statistics). I would expect to see Bernier only in relief or in the event of a back-to-back in the series (which does happen due to scheduling conflicts).
jofa6000 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
@Blue Coconuts, good question. i’d go with bernier if we play the preds.
bbb7 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
@Rob2716, Yes, since both games are important to seeding what TM is saying is “I’m going to start Quick on Friday, and then on Saturday I’m going to start Quick.” I dont see any way, if they lose Friday, he’ll go with Bernier Saturday unless JQ gets blitzed.
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Gotta say, I think this is a good plan…..
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Why not? JQ is our number 1 and played great last night (that second goal was not his fault, you cant control rebounds off your melon). I do see the arguement to have him a bit more rested, but I think the bigger thing is giving Bernier some action so hes tuned up for the playoffs, if needed!
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Frig that … Bernier has been lights out lately and his W/L record has been excellent. Split the two games
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40 year fan Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@VanKingsFan, I could not agree more. Wathcing Quick closely the last three games I see him giving up long rebounds more often than he usually does. Bernier has done everything asked of him and his preformance the second half of the year should put TM into a mind set that either one of them would shine. I would rather take a chance, even though I do not think it is much of a risk, playing each of them one game and having Quick rested and Bernier not stale going into the first round.
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Paul G Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
@VanKingsFan, Replace frig with something more provocative and u would have taken the words out of my mouth
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What puzzles me most is why skip Bernier when he’s playing as well if not better than quick now? Games during the playoffs are more intense and tire players easier, they come every other night and having two good goaltenders ready is better than one as we learned last year. I think bernier would have stoned the ducks tomorrow night and giving quick at least one game off before playoffs.
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Capt Jam Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@SB Larry,
I completely agree, but it looks like TM is gonna ride that horsey into the ground until it don’t get up no more.
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YoBro Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
@Capt Jam, Didn’t he do that last year? Didn’t work out so well, did it?
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Eactly!
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Off topic but the monarchs signed toffoli to a tryout today. If he doesn’t perform up to expectations would he just not play hockey until training camp next year?
http://www.manchestermonarchs.com/news.php?nid=3964
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GoKings09 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@KH,
I’m guessing that it is just because he is still negotiating his entry level contract with the Kings. Since he can’t play for the Monarchs until he signs with the Kings, this is probably just so he can start playing games now while his agent and DL negotiate on a contract. It’s not because the Kings or Monarchs don’t want him to play or aren’t sure if he’s good enough but more just a loophole to play now until a real contract gets worked out
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KH Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@GoKings09, Oh ya that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification
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Paul G Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@KH, It says on the link that he is a center but I’m pretty sure he’s a RWer
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Bernier should play against Nashvile, if they pair up in 1st round!
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i really don’t think rest is an issue as we we finish the season on the 9th and get a few days off before the start of the playoffs. so if 4th place is in reach i say play Quicker in both, he’s been exceptional all year (aside from the pummeling by SJ but there’s no goalie who doesn’t have that happen from time to time).
If we end up with a 1st round match-up against ANA, then I think Quick should get as much time against them as possible.
Bernier has been great as of late also, he’s done his job and knows that he’s still the backup for now.
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Deke'r Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
@Newf, I agree, these guys are professional atheletes and are in top shape, besides what if either game goes to a shootout?
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So TM has no faith in Bernier? Quick was burnt out last year because TM played him too many games. Let’s hope that this is not the case this playoffs.
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KingsGuy Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@wonton28, I don’t think it was “burnt out” as much as his head not in the game. I believe he just had his first child… Plus the fact that Quick is in much better shape this season.
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KC23 Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
@wonton28, One back to back ins’t going to burn out Quick’s season. Espeically since the first playoff game will likely be at least 4 days away from that. I still think Bernier should get one of the starts though. In fact I’d put him in Fridays game.
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Capt Jam Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@wonton28,
Someone who cites his favorite vacation spot as his bed is burned out. LOL.
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Dominick Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@wonton28,
I don’t think there’s any lack of faith in Bernier or any messeges being subliminally sent here. Just TM trying to get his goalie on a roll heading into the playoffs. Also This will be Quicks 5th strait start. I think he’s been playing great and can handle 5 or 6 strait starts before the playoffs to get on a roll. He’s not showing any signs of being fatigued, and isn’t showing anything near the collapse he had last year. He’s 16-7-2 in his last 25, nothing like last season. I hope that eases any concerns.
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Dominick Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@wonton28, Also during those 25 games he’s allowed fewer goals than just about any other goaltender in the entire league.
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How can you turn on Quick? The only reason we are here the past two seasons? He choked last season in the playoffs but he has improved his game tremendously. Bunch of turn coat fair weather fans. However… I guess against Nashville numbers don’t lie. But you do not change your top goalie who has gotten you there and is practically at the top of every stat board for you back up when you get to the show.
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Dominick Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
@RobSD, Missed this post, but feel exactly the same way. I don’t feel he choked last playoffs, Vancouver was just better, but Good job.
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stay with quick,if he slips bernie will step up that his roll…our goalies are not the issue its GOAL SCORE N !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Even when Quick has a bad game, TM doesn’t hesitate to come right back with him. So, provided Quick isn’t too gassed from Friday’s game, he’ll get the start on Saturday as well. If Emery starts both games, it will be very interesting to see which goalie gives in first on Saturday. Emery has to be less fatigued than Quick since he’s only been playing for a few weeks, but I’m wondering if Quick is actually in better playing shape at this point, having been through an entire season and more than accustomed to the grind.
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Dominick Reply:
April 7th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@Capt Jam, I think gameshape will have a lot to do with it. Emery hasn’t played a lot for a couple of seasons now, and could be a little ripe. Quicks been platooned and battle tested, and come through better for it.
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Bernie has a good record against nashville
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If we end up in the first round against NASH, I think playing JQ at home and JB at NASH would work best.
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Good problems to have, imo.
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