Terry Murray laughed deeply when the subject of tomorrow night’s goalie came up. “Go ahead, take a guess,’’ he said. Jonathan Quick, perhaps? Quick is coming off back-to-back shutouts, and the Kings have two days between games after they face Dallas tomorrow, so the answer was obvious. During training camp, Murray said he wouldn’t keep his goalies on a strict schedule and would go with a hot hand. They don’t get much hotter than Quick’s 0.97 goals-against average and 0.967 save percentage in his first five games, including last night’s 28-save shutout against Phoenix.
MURRAY: “I thought his game last night — and talking with Billy [goalie coach Bill Ranford] about it — Billy thought it was his best game of the year. Very sharp, very alert, his movement in the net, his puck-handling was very clean. He’s playing an `A’ game right now, and I want to keep going with it.’’
The other day, Murray was asked about Quick’s development, and pointed to an area of concern over the past couple seasons: Quick’s puck-handling, which occasionally had put him and his defensemen in bad situations…
MURRAY: “The one thing that I see, that he’s just a little sharper on, is the puck being played outside of the net. He’s getting it off his stick right away. Last year, we were kind of caught in between. Part of the issue is that the D don’t talk to the goalie. They’re the guys that are coming back. They’ve got to let the goalie know where they want the puck moved to, or left, and right now with Quicker, the communication is good and he’s getting the puck off his stick right away. He’s not lingering behind the net, and that transitions the puck out pretty good. That’s an improvement on that part of the game.’’
Quick said his improvement had come because of better communication with defensemen, as well as just a natural familiarity on the ice…
QUICK: “It’s a little bit of both. Obviously it’s a small sample to take from, only five games, but I think, as a team, we made a big push toward making sure that got corrected, and we’ve been doing that as efficient as possible. The coaching staff made sure that it was something important to take care of in training camp and that we did a lot of, and everybody has responded.’’
“as a team” always a team man!! bravo JQ, stay en fuego my friend!
[Reply]
Andrew Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@Stuart, Stay en fuego? Isn’t that some sort of fighting chicken?;)
[Reply]
Can we trade Mr.Softie now?
[Reply]
fsd1 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:43 pm
@Dominick, packaged with kopi? lol
[Reply]
Bill M. Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Dominick, We already got rid of Jason Labarbera, Matheiu Garon, and Dan Cloutier. THEY could be collectively known as “Team Softie”
[Reply]
His modesty is refreshing. After the game last night he was more complementary to his temates than acknowledging his own performance.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Steve S,, I do like that about him. Very soft spoken, and unassuming. You’d never know just by looking at him that he’s such a competitor.
[Reply]
YoBro Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@Dominick, That too is one thing I really like about JQ. With him its always; Us, We, and Our,,, NEVER I, Me, Mine. On our racing team, that’s how it’s always been and it works great for us!
Go Kings
[Reply]
Duckbasher Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:45 pm
@Steve S,, – And rightfully so. JQ is no dummy and he can see that the D is playing their A game right now. He’s seeing the shots and getting a lot of help. Not to slight JQ AT ALL. Man… can this be true… that we have 2 incredible goalies that could realistically start for almost any team in the NHL? I hope JQ keeps his hot hand, but I alss hope TM leaves a lot in his tank. Especially when we have JB there to give him a rest.
[Reply]
At his salary I can’t think of a goalie that presents a bigger bargain. Is there anyone you would rather have when considering the cap?
[Reply]
prosmar Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@Weasel, I don’t think so but Vokun has a really small cap this year.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Weasel,
two words: Rob Stauber. with one contract you get both a goalie, defensemen, and a forward on the ice. at the same time.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:27 pm
@Shakes, Who is that? I only know him if you include his nickname like a boxer Robb “The Blueline” Stauber. I think he believed the goalie crease ended at the center ice red line. I have to say though he was awesome the year we went to the Finals in 1993.
[Reply]
Love Quick, but 5 starts in a row is not good in the long run. A back-up goalie needs to be part of the team and contribute, and your starter can’t start every game. We’ve seen the perils of going this route before, but apparently there is no lesson learned. Riding the hot hand is great, right up until you find yourself giving that guy 7 chance to get his 40th win and he’s too tired to perform at the end of the season.
[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@Captain Material,
Yeah… 5 games into the season the guy who has a .097 GA average and two shutouts in a row… sure, let’s stick Bernier in there. Excellent decision coach.
[Reply]
408kingsfan Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@Captain Material, Cant stop now it’s a division game coming up.. But I agree with your opinion
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@Captain Material,
?????????
If you’re giving him his 7th chance to get his 40th win than he’s obviously not the hot hand, so I don’t really see your point.
Plus I agree with RobSD, taking Quick out right now just to get Bernier involved makes absolutely no sense.
[Reply]
YoBro Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@AZ King, The point is, that is exactly what happened 2 yrs ago. There is no way TM will sit Quick, riding 2 straight SO’s !?. Now, if JQ gets like ,oh say, 20 or 30 in a row then we may have a problem.
Go Kings
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@YoBro, When do we play the BlueJackets??
Osaka Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@Captain Material, Why would you rest a goalie with back-to-back shutouts?!?! Like you said it is only five games, there will be plenty of time for him to rest. Just not next game.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:39 pm
@Captain Material, No goalie stays hot for ever,and when bernie gets his chance he might the hot hand for a while. With this teams defensive play getting hot it’s not reaching.
[Reply]
PP Anybody? Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:13 pm
@Captain Material, Quick has played 5 games, and so has Thomas, Miller, Lundqvist, Bryzgalov. Fleury, Price, and Renne have all played 6. All I’m saying is that it’s not uncommon, and actually expected that the top goalies in the league play at this type of clip. That being said, I’m sure Bernier will get a chance pretty soon, and I’m sure TM won’t ride Quick into the ground like he did 2 years ago.
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:41 pm
@PP Anybody?, Don’t forget Lehtonen for Dallas
[Reply]
Ike Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 10:03 am
@Captain Material, debbie downer alert.
[Reply]
Quick is hall of fame material and I hope he remains a King for a long long time.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@408kingsfan, We’re probably seeing the last King to wear number 32.
[Reply]
prosmar Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@KC23, I hope we are seeiing the last Kings wearing 8 and 11 too.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@prosmar, and 23. Were gonna run out of numbers. Hopefully there are others that become worthy, but 32, 8, 11, and 23 were drafted and raised as Kings.
Dan SanDonkey Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@prosmar, and #3
Eric Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@Dominick,
All Dave Taylor picks…
King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:12 pm
@prosmar, You might want to add #10 to that list too!
Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@Eric,
Not DD. I think Dave has put a stamp on this rebuild, for sure. DL is more responsible for all 4 players developement though. If anyone of them ever rises to godlike status in the rafters, DL will get most of the credit, but no one will forget that Dave Taylor was the first to believe in them.
Osaka Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@408kingsfan, Hall of fame? We are getting a little ahead of ourselves.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:10 pm
@Osaka,
Isn’t getting ahead of ourselves exactly what Kings fans do for a living?
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@Kingsfanone, We are dreamers, why else would we be Kings fans?
Branzilla Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 10:40 pm
@Kingsfanone, Hahaha yeah. I’m pretty sure 3/4 of the team was traded by this board after our first loss.
JD Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@408kingsfan, hall of fame, maybe he should win a playoff series first
[Reply]
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:42 pm
@JD, I’m pretty sure he will
[Reply]
yes, Quick is the Man, but i wouldnt want to burn him out either. I kinda wish Terry Murry would go to a schedule with the goalies, but only as sort of a guide. I would assume on back to back games Bernier would get 1 of the starts automatically, then at least JB could look forward to a few dates that are for sure.
[Reply]
AZ King Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@Nightman,
No matter what TM says I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have at least a general idea in his head about who plays when. Back-to-back games is one example where it’s kind of automatic to switch, but I would still be hesitant to take Quick out the way he’s playing right now. That happened last year, Quick was playing great and TM put Bernier in, and it totally got Quick off of his game.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@AZ King,
I agree.
I think fatigue would be another factor that would get Bernier in there. I think with the heavy workload Quick had during the olympics, he would be weary of burnout himself, and guard against it. I’m sure he feels just as comfortable with Bernier starting some games, and I’m sure TM will keep a close eye on whoever gets a string of starts.
I haven’t seen any indications that our goaltenders feel threatened by the other playing, because team is all that matters. They seem to get along really well as teammates, and are supportive of each other. Character is everything, and I think they both have it.
[Reply]
kyle Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@Dominick, Spot on with your comments. Bernier will get his games in. They’ve got back to backs at month’s end–actually 4 games in 6 days from 10/25-10/30–and a bunch of other similar stretches during the season. I think TM’s happy with what he’s got and he’ll watch for any sign of weariness.
HockeyOnly Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:44 pm
@Dominick, Quicker will have had two days off when they play Dallas saturday.
Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:07 pm
@HockeyOnly,
I thought we were talkin the whole season, not just the next game.
@kyle,
I agree.
JQ will be getting a big raise this summer if not before
[Reply]
Doughty's Disciple Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:37 pm
@R.T., He better,that’s the other thing the Kings need to figure out,both JQ AND JB are free agents the same year! That was a genius move!
[Reply]
Doughty's Disciple Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@R.T., I’m sure one of them is gonna say “No I want to be the starter or else”. As we all know free agency is ugly,especially with a goalie situation like this one.
[Reply]
BKinLV Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@R.T., keep him away from meehan
[Reply]
Anybody who would even think of trading Quick,has got rocks in they’re head! C’mon really?! Look at what this guy has done in the last 3 years and what he’s doing so far this season! Personally I think the whole call for the “hot hand” is very unfair to him and Bernier. Quick has earned the right to be the starter and play the majority of the games through out the seasons. Don’t get me wrong,I love Bernier as well,but what do you do? Tell the guy that worked his butt off and answered the call for you to just have a seat because we’re ready to give the job to a guy we drafted higher than you? that’s stupid. Bernier is a great goalie and I BELIEVE that he COULD be a starter whether it’s on our team or somewhere else I couldn’t say. I know some people are skeptical about Quick because of some games he’s had in the past or mistakes he’s made,but you know what he got thrown to the wolves like mid season 3 years ago,when we had no shot of making the playoffs and so he had to learn,and the last 2 full he’s still been maturing and I think he’s done a hell of a job considering we’ve made the playoffs both those years,(which mind you was the first time since 2002)No goalie is phenomenal all 82 games not even the elite more experienced ones so……Anyways all I’m saying is if Bernier is truly the future well he better wait in line and also he has to prove it,as it stands now all he’s proven is that he’s a great goaltender with great discipline and fundamentals,in a limited amount of games,which is great don’t get me wrong. Quick had to mature in the NHL,Bernier got to mature in Manchester,personally Quick wasn’t ready to come up when he did,but neither was Bernier. But I’m glad he came up when he did,he’s learned powerful,strong lessons and faced high caliber NHL players,that’s obviously great experience. In the end Quick needs to self destruct way worse than he ever has,to fairly lose his job,and you know what? I don’t think he will,I think he’ll still have bad nights(like every goalie has)period! Sorry for the rant. Lol!
[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@Doughty’s Disciple, Maybe the hot hand competition is the reason he is playing well. I love Quick and he is looking like he has taken a step into becoming one of the games elite, but no player has earned the right to have anything handed to them. I don’t care if he wins the cup, the next season he should battle for playing time.
[Reply]
Ike Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@Doughty’s Disciple, Great post. Quick has shown he can compete over an entire season more than once. It’s quick’s job to lose and I don’t think he will. The best shot bernier has is quick getting injured.
[Reply]
Lets ALL hope we never see a Kings player wearing number 25 out on the ice the rest of this year… They do not get any “softer”.. Marshmallow Man DP.
[Reply]
kyle Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@KingsFan77, I respectfully disagree…you’re not watching the games if you’re still on the Marshmallow bandwagon. Granted, it’s early in the season and bad habits can re-appear, but Penner’s stepped his game and effort up this year. Marshmallows don’t stand up for teammates. Penner’s done that a couple of times already.
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:19 pm
@KingsFan77, Totally unfair comment. I guess you have not been watching too many games this year and if you have, you need glasses my friend.
[Reply]
tornado12 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@King Alex, dont feed the trolls
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:19 pm
@tornado12, But they always look so sad under their bridge not knowing what they are talking about
CB14 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:42 pm
@KingsFan77, Did you miss the Philly game where he stood up for DD? Mabye your statement was true last year, but not this year.
[Reply]
rumpa#19 Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 5:47 pm
@KingsFan77, Not cool ,get over it,DP has.
[Reply]
Wow, talk about anomalies. We rarely see a keeper whose save percentage is about equal to his gaa!
[Reply]
And last on NHL on the fly, Kevin Weekes had his top ten goalies and guess what, Quick wasn’t among them. Figures. “I tell ya, I get no respect”-Rodney Dangerfield
[Reply]
King Alex Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 8:21 pm
@Goring 19, I don’t give a rats you know what about anything they say & I bet Quicker doesn’t either. Narrow minds that can’t see what’s right in front of them.
[Reply]
Dominick Reply:
October 21st, 2011 at 9:14 pm
@Goring 19, Wow! not even in his top 10? His intelligence quotient has just rated below special needs. Nothin but the short bus from here on.
[Reply]
Mat Reply:
October 22nd, 2011 at 11:15 am
@Goring 19,
You’re right. Quick is amazing and beyond but doesn’t get enough love from the media. Even Jonas hiller and some other pretty average goalies get more attention.
[Reply]