As noted earlier, Jonathan Bernier will get the start in goal tomorrow night against New Jersey. It’s a very interesting decision made by Terry Murray, and one that took me back two years to New York. Early in the 2009-10 season, Quick stopped 28 of 29 shots in a win over the New York Islanders. That got Quick (and the Kings) off to a 4-1-0 start, but Murray decided, two days later, to give Erik Ersberg the start against the New York Rangers. Ersberg allowed four goals on 21 shots in a loss, the start of a three-game losing streak, and soon after, Murray said he regretted not starting Quick. Of course, Murray then went on to give Quick 72 games that season, and came under criticism for playing Quick too much.
Of course, the situations now are different. Bernier isn’t Ersberg, and Murray, it seems, has learned his lesson about overplaying his No. 1 goalie. Still, it will be interesting to see how this decision plays out in the short term. Here is Murray’s explanation for the goalie move…
MURRAY: “It’s because of a decision I made a couple days ago. I let Bernier know on Saturday. I let him know after Saturday’s skate. I wanted to get him prepared. I knew Sunday was going to be a day off, and it let him have an opportunity to get himself ready over the day off and come in today and get a good workout in. So we’ve got a lot of games coming up right now. The schedule starts to get busy, and we’ve got three conference games right after New Jersey. It’s an opportunity, out of the early part of training camp here, to get him going.’’
Question: And Quick’s shutout streak doesn’t influence that?
MURRAY: “Well, I made the decision before the game and I’m not going to change that. I’ve talked to Bernie about it, I’ve talked to Quicker about it, to let him know. I talked to him briefly about it. That’s the way it is. That’s the decision made.’’
Question: Did Quick try to talk you out of it?
MURRAY: “He’s very understanding that it’s the early part of the year and there’s a lot of games coming up that are huge games for us. He can’t play all 82, although I say, `Why not?’ sometimes. [laughs]’’
sure makes sense to me…..
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fsd1 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
@fsd1, guess i got my brain back….whew!
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@fsd1, me too, where does it go again?
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@fsd1, It does make sense until you factor in what TM said at the beginning of the year, which was I’m going to ride the hot goalie. Quick’s hot, had 2 days off before the next game, and has a day off before the next game after New Jersey. That’s what is odd to me. I’m not saying it’s a bad call, Bernier is certainly capable of winning the game, just that TM said one thing, then 7 games into the season he did another.
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@CB14, but, maybe he is riding the hot goalie by setting him up to play the most important games?
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@jet, Why couldn’t he play on Thursday if he plays on Tuesday? Are you suggesting he’s going to play the next 3 games?
brian spain Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@jet, I think the NEXT game(New Jersey) is the most important game, then Thursdays game. Every game is important. If you miss the playoffs by one point, or a shootout loss.(see Rangers) two years ago. The team that squeaked in (flyers) went to the Finals. So every point FOR is GIANT. I Think you play your hot goalie every game unless back to back…especially if back to back on the road. If they beat New Jersey then it doesn’t matter. Bernier is good enough, shouldn’t be a problem, if the guys play hard in front of him.
tim chaney Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@CB14, why wait til he cools off? jon q will be hot on his next start, no need to burn him out so soon…
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@tim chaney, He will have had 5 days off in between starts when he plays on Thursday. 5 days is a lifetime in goalie days. Quick isn’t just hot, he’s on fire. Why take the chance of letting him cool off?
If he would’ve played tomorrow we would’ve had 2 days off before that game, and a day off before Thursdays game. I don’t think that’s really burning someone out. Plus he could’ve rested either Saturday or Sundays game. No one’s expecting him to play every game, particularly with a great back up like Bernier. On top of all that, after Sundays game the Kings next game isn’t until Thursday, that’s 3 days off in between games. I don’t see how Quick could’ve possible got burnt out from that.
Sunday – off day
Monday – off day
Tuesday – Quick
Wednesday – off day
Thursday – Quick
Friday – off day
Saturday – Bernier, Quick gets off day
Sunday – Quick
Monday – off day
Tuesday – off day
Wednesday – off day
Thursday – Quick
4 games played in 12 days hardly seems like getting burnt out to me.
Brownkingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@tim chaney, I say play Quick at least until the streak is over. You wouldn’t pull a pitcher in the 9th if he’s throwing a no-hitter. Besides, “I’m going with the hot hand” were not MY words… They were our liar’s…I mean coach’s.
Osaka Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@CB14, He didn’t change anything, Bernier has played one game, so he has gone with the hot goalie. Going with the hot goalie doesn’t mean the other guy won’t play at all.
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@Osaka, No one, including me, is saying that Bernier shouldn’t play when needed. Like this weekend in back to back games. It’s just that when a Coach says “MURRAY: “So I’m going to go with the guy that is playing really well.” one would think he wouldn’t bench a guy with 3 straight shutouts and 2 days off between games and not in back to back games. I guess it’s wrong of me to assume he’s going to go with the goalie that’s playing really well when he says he’s going to go with the guy that is playing really well. My bad.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/09/19/quick-is-no-1-but-stay-tuned/
Osaka Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
@CB14 I still see the starts at 6-1 so he has gone with the hot hand, sorry. If your talking about this shutout streak, who cares? It will be there when Quick is back in. I expect Quick to play great all season so there will always be the argument of he is playing better. Yeah, because he is better. Time to let the other guy play.
I can see both sides of the arguement.
Bottom line is though, when you step back and look at it logically, I think this is the right decision.
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Bottom line, it’s a business. You have to make a good business decision. You do NOT take out a player riding an amazing streak like Quick has done, period. Bad move.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
@Jeff,
How is it bad business? He’s thinking of it in a STRATEGIC way. Quick’s accomplishment is amazing but you have to play your best goalie in the games that matter most. NJ isn’t one of them.
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red49er Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@tacomakingsfan, I agree with jeff. bad move. let bernier play once the streak has ended. no matter what quick says it has to impact him and the team emotionally. you play great, are the ‘hot’ golie and you still get yanked. what does he have to do anyway?
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uknojata Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@red49er, agreed. another puzzler from Terry.
jp Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
@Jeff, you can’t be shortsighted in business and Quick has sixteen important wins to make at the end of the season. We have great goaltending assets and the smart move is to leverage those assets to achieve the ultimate goal. Non-division game and a back-to-back on the horizon? Makes sense to get Bernier some action before the weekend. As far as Quick’s streak, it’ll still stand when he starts in net the following game.
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Jeff Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@jp, @tacomakingsfan, It is early in the season and Quick is not yet pushing for the playoff drive at this point. Although one can never let down so to speak. I’d say let it ride for now. If it were late February, I’d agree more. In any event, Go Kings!
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E-Dog Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
@Jeff,
I understand what you’re saying, buy you have to plan ahead though. If the Kings are fighting for Playoff position in March, guess who’s starting most if not all the games, Quick. Plus, you have to get Bernier into some games. I mean if he’s just playing 20 games a year, the Kings are better off sending him down to Manchester. Makes no sense to have a great backup goalie and let him sit on the bench.
My guess is this is just the beginning for Quick. He’ll have multiple times this season when he gets hot. TM is going to have to make these tough decisions as the season goes on.
jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@Jeff, you do make this move if you’d rather win a cup instead of a trophy
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Ryan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@jet, how do you talk about the cup when we have won a total of one playoff series since the run to the cup in 93′. Lets be realistic. Lets get to the playoffs, win a series and move on from there, my goodness, its crazy who easy people astray from the facts.
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
@Ryan, uhh, expect the best?
nykingfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Jeff,
What’s wrong with Bernier?
When did he become chopped liver???????
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Bill M. Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@nykingfan, he didn’t. If goalies were starships, Bernier would be at hyper speed. Only problem is that Quick’s gone to Plaid.
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ike Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@Bill M., Hahah!
Ian Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@Bill M., Haha. One of the best analogies i’ve heard!
hapakid Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@Jeff, it’s a business. so we are playing for a record or for the stanley cup? J quick goes down due to injury because of fatigue, how’s that good for business?
just being devil’s advocate.. it’d be cool to see him out there but at what cost?risk?
TM basically gave Bernier the tap on the shoulder a few days ago.. so from a player’s point of view, Bernier is gonna appreciate that and play the hell out of his heart for TM and the Kings… Players remember this kinda stuff. respect for the team, coach and players. little sports psychology 101 here. go get em boys!!!
If J Quick starts the next game and gets a SO, he’ still has the record eh?
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art Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@hapakid,
I agree with the sports psychology part. No matter what happens on Tuesday, the Kings will play hard for Quick on Thursday in a division game. The players know that Quick has the streak going, and I’m sure they’ll bring a little more effort to the game. If Quick played Tuesday and the streak ended, the players might not put in the same effort on Thursday.
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Osaka Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Jeff, What if Quick could have a longer streak and Bernier could start a streak of his own with Quick sitting a game, isn’t that good business? I think Quick will stay hot longer with a day off since 98% of goaltending is focus.
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Osaka, Don’t you think he might lose focus after not playing in 5 games? I’m just saying.
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@Jeff, Sitting out Quick has zero to do with the streak. The streak contineus even if Quick sat out the next 12 games.
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“Bernier isn’t Ersberg”
Ouch.
Here’s a little taste from practice today…
http://deepinsidethekings.com/2011/10/drews-drills/
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@wavesinair, sometimes the truth hurts
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KingsGuy Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
@wavesinair, Wish I could skate like that, lol….
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Blake Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@wavesinair, I really don’t see why so many people dog on ersberg, he put up some solid numbers and what the starting goalie until he got hurt and quick took over but he still finishe the season with a .912 save % or something. Then next year I even saw him at the last game of the season when we played Colorado and he let one goal in that was clearly covered and should have been disallowed. I know he had a bad post season but we didn’t play to great in a couple of those games against Vancouver. I think he got the short end of the deal and that he deserves more credit.
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puck73 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
@Blake, I am probably one of the few that agree’s with you about Ersberg. Also, while were at it, I feel that Peter Harrold got the short end of the stick quite often as well.
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RobSD Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@puck73,
Sounds like the start of great cup team. Harrold and Ersberg. Where are those two now? Russia and the AHL? Harrold is 29 and optioned to AHL. His window has passed. Much like I think Parse’s has or is very close to.
Blake Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@puck73, ersberg still finished with a .926 save % last year….
Osaka Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
@Blake, If Ersberg is so good why isn’t he in the NHL? He is a minor league goalie and always will be. He didn’t get the short end of a stick, he got to play some NHL games because of the LA Kings. He is lucky he came to a bad team with no depth so he got a chance to play in the big league. Once the Kings got better and acquired some depth he wasn’t needed any longer. That is pro sports.
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Blake Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@Osaka, Goalies like Vokoun barely found a place to play let along a goalie that got less then ten games. No other GM is willing to take a chance on him because he’s not proven, doesn’t mean he’s not talented enought
KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
@Blake, I had no problem with Ersberg either. 99% of all goalies are going to look bush league compared to a stud like Quick.
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Blake Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@wavesinair, Not saying you’re against him but in general
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Good choice TM to start Bernier on a non-conference match.. Quick will be well rested for the next two games.
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I agree with this decision. It’s not what I like emotionally as quick is #1 in my book, but it is the right decision. The best decisions are made without emotion
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Lake Forest,
+1, thank you.. you’re of a few that can think without emotion here. Also CONGRATULATIONS with the baby!
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
@tacomakingsfan, Thanks man. with 3 daughters and a wife, I get enough “emotion” already!!
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
@Lake Forest, you are not alone, just get adding bathrooms and practice the head nod (bobblehead like)
tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
@Lake Forest,
Thank god I have boys.. Lol.. Unfortunately one is in the early stages of the terrible teens! Want to trade one for one?
KingsGuy Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
@Lake Forest, Ha, don’t know how you do it!? I have my hands full with one newborn. Next one will be a boy
Lake Forest Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Lake Forest, The wife and I have gone from a man on man to a zone defense now, since we are out numbered! Kids are such a blessing and the only complaint I have is the lack of sleep. Of course I have girls and will be getting my first shot gun soon! I’ll be cleaning that s*cker everyday!
Deke'r Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@Lake Forest, Just wait….the best is yet to come!
KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@Lake Forest, also got 3 daughters … wouldn’t have it any other way. Congrats.
We all know the real reason behind the decision. It just aint fair to the rest of the NHL! .81 GAA is just sick
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@Whodawat, because he wants kovi to get a goal this season
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Bill M. Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@jet, If Kovi’s best opportunity for a goal is against Bernier, things are really not looking good for Kovi.
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
@Bill M., kovi hasn’t looked good for a long time. We are lucky our GM is so smart.
I say start Bernie in non conference games, including the 2nd game of B2B games… but start Quick in Conference games…
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Now all the hockey media is talking about Quick so I assume there are some pressure on him. But I believe this move eases Quicker a bit and give him an opportunity to calm himself down. Besides it’s not a conference game or a division game. This is the perfect opportunity for Bernier. Quick will be ready for the game against Dallas. Good decision, TM.
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:10 pm
@goldielocks, Sorry, you cannot use pressure and Quick in the same sentence as it doesn’t apply.
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This is a smart move by TM. You have to play Bernier eventually, regardless if Quick is the hottest goalie in the NHL right now, Quick still needs the rest. Also, I’m a big believer in not letting your backup goalie just sit on the bench all season. It’s hard to stay focused for backup if the No.1 goalie is playing 70+ games a year. Plus, Quick needs to stay fresh for the playoffs.
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So this will not hurt Quickers streak i take it?
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Bill M. Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
@pr0cess, No. the only streak broken if Bernier lets one in is the TEAM shutout streak.
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pr0cess Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Bill M., sigh well lets pray then
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look…
it’s an interesting decision…yes…
i understand why peeps think that if you sit quick, yr flirting with upsetting the applecart…but that type of reasoning and fear relies solely on superstition…these guys are professionals…they are suppose to be ready all the time…i don’t think there’s a professional athlete out there that ever wants to be scratched or take a backseat to someone else…that’s why we have coaches…and furthermore, both goalies knew of the change well beforehand…
so it doesn’t matter whether or nor tm writes his starter in pen or in pencil or changes his mind about using the “hot hand”…all players want is to be treated fairly, be informed of their current status and be able to have the opportunity to help the team…tm’s obligation is to provide that to his players, not the media or fans…and it sounds like he has done his job…you may not like his decision and that’s fair…but the game’s outcome will not be determined by tm…if the kings lose tomorrow night, it won’t be because of tm’s decision to play bernier…rather, it will be determined by how the kings play as a team…you win as a team…you lose as a team…
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FromSwedenWithLove Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
@variable, amen
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Deke'r Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
@variable, One of the bennys of being the head coach….you’re damned if you do…and damned if you don’t!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
@variable,
And how will this team look should Bernier get hot and we have 2 great goalies? Depth! Look at our depth at defense now that Voynov is getting the job done. Dewey has been out how long and how’s the team doing? Depth!
The depth this team hasn’t had in what, how long? If Bernier plays lights out, we have both goalies playing well. That is called depth!
We are at a crossroads for this team.
I love this! It’s so cool to be a Kings fan. Right now. Thank you!
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coaches that win cups don’t do this.. And hes even going against his own word. Quick has the opportunity to break more records and continue his hot streak. And my goal is for kings to make it in the playoffs and quick is our best bet
Heres the deal. The only reason kings have won this season is because Quick. Just like when bernier played before he will be exposed again at kings sloppy play and low scoring..
My opinion wait to play bernier until the kings get their chemistry and defense tightened up a bit..
bernier will get at least 3 goals scored on him.. only way kings win is if their offense heats up
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Winger23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
@jason,
I agreed with you until you said Bernier will be exposed again. Bernier is a damn good goalie, and quite possibly will be even better than JQ.
He was suppose to ride the hot goalie, but now is not going to. Still don’t agree with this decision. I really hope the boys are able to pull away with a win tomorrow night so Murray doesnt get 2nd guessed by everyone including me.
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
@jason, I assure you that every coach who has ever coached in the NHL has played a backup goalie. TM said he is going with his hot goalie, and he is setting up his hot goalie to play in the most improtant games. My goal is to win the cup and to win that cup we will need two goalies at a minimum.
How can you possibly suggest that the Kings have only won because of Quick? Should we only suit up one player for each game? Are the players getting better every game? Yes. Will JB hurt this building chemistry? No
bernier will get at least 3 goals scored on him.. uhh, how much money do you have?
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bbb7 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@jason, Well… last October Tim Thomas won his first 4 starts, giving up a total of 3 goals in the process… and his coach started their backup (Rask) in the next game. I believe they DID win the cup.
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kingsfan1 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@jason, Did you pay attention to the last game – If the Kings had not played good defense we would have lost. There where several occasions that the defense cleared out some rebounds that could have easily been put in by Dallas. Quick did make some fantastic saves near the end of the third and baled the defense out. It goes both ways, that is a good thing.
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ike Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@jason, Name the last cup winning team who played their starting goalie every game of the season?
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is this Bernier guy lousy or something?
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KiNGS 4 LiFE Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@petemagoop, No, Bernie isn’t lousy.
I’ts just that Quicker has the hot-hand and has a shut-out win streak going,
along with most minutes in team history without allowing a goal.
Thats why a lot of fans here want Quicker to keep playing.
Bernie could easly be a number-1 goalie.
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I love the situation for bernier; basically he needs get a shutout or his start will be a failure.
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jet Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
@VanKingsFan, only on this site, not with the team
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MrMister Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@jet, I can see the threads starting already.
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Deke'r Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@VanKingsFan, Don’t see how that’s possible….a loss possibly but not a win. Don’t think the team really cares about a shutout streak.
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Ian Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@VanKingsFan, It is a ton of pressure for Bernier. It’s like following Martin Luther King Jr after the “I Have a Dream” speech.
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Lets just pray that this doesn’t end up sending us into a downward spiral…
Although, I am sure it would make for some interesting posts, ha ha.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@KingsGuy,
If you mean “us” to be the posters on this site it already has “)
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So much for the hot hand.
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Smart. Looking through the schedule, I count only 17 games where I would tend to start a weaker backup (Back to Backs, weak offensive teams, eastern teams.)
That would be 65 games for Quick, and I’d like to see him at least under 60. So if I’m Murray I’m depending pretty heavy on the fact that Bernier isn’t a weak backup, because I’m going to need to play him in some games where the points are big.
A perfect case is from now through November. Two eastern teams. Other than that we have all conference and many divisional opponents, including 3 back to backs that are all in-conference. Each involves a division team, and one is a home and home against the ducks. That means Murray needs Bernier to be on his game enough to steal us some points from the Avalanche, the Ducks, and the Blues. And since we play only two eastern teams, Murray has only two small-points opportunities to get Bernier warm for those big-points games.
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
@Bill M., Please stop with the logic as I am enjoying the drama.
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I think it’s a smart move. Now JB HAS to impress even if it’s a non conference game. One thing I’m not really liking is how TM doesn’t seem flexible with comments like I made my decision on such date and that’s that.
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Wow…..I can’t believe all the TM support for one of the dumbest moves ever. 3 Straight shut outs and lots of rest. It’s early in the season so do we really want to ride the momentum to see how far it takes us? TM may as well switch up the lines after they don’t score in the first 10 minutes Tuesday night to add to his pathetic coaching abilities.
I love Bernier, I even have him on my fantasy hockey team, but this is NOT the time for him to start.
JQ has done something never done before in Kings history and now he is benched?
Stop with all the TM support garbage that he is resting him for conference games. This is the time to let JQ prove to the league what his team mates and fans already know. He is at the top of the NHL as a goalie. There will be plenty of time to get rest and mix in Bernier – Now is NOT that time.
Blast away Kings fans that are used to being at the bottom
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Sebastian Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@jimrad, what would you do faced with the current kings schedule?
Tuesday game in LA (Devils) – Quick or Bernier?
Wednesday Travel to Dallas
Thursday game in Dallas – Quick or Bernier?
Friday travel to Phoenix
Saturday game in Phoenix – Quick or Bernier?
Saturday night travel to Colorado
Sunday game in Colorado – Quick or Bernier?
Keep this in mind…unless you are in a back to back situation, you ALWAYS want to play your BEST (#1) goaltender against division rivals. A little less important are conference rivals, and a little less important than that are eastern conference teams (ie, NJ).
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Bill M. Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@Sebastian, exactly. the right answer is Bernier, Quick, Quick, Bernier. Especially since this happens twice more in November.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
@jimrad,
Lol, Really? You think Quick has something to prove? I think he has already shown it since he is the #1 goalie and the fact that he has 3 shut outs. You might want to relax a little bit. As a Kings for over 20 years I know where you are coming from emotionally.
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jimrad Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@tacomakingsfan, He has nothing to prove – just set the tone for the team this season
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@jimrad,
I think they already have. I know it’s early in the season but this is exactly the thinking that got us in trouble the first full season we had Quick. Everyone was too hyped because he was tearing it up for us so they played him more. Look what happened there. I’m not saying that he’s tired or needs the rest but you want to be able to at least play your best goalie in the important games. Non-conference teams are not that important right now. In addition, you also have to put Bernier at some point to actually get game experience again and this is a perfect opportunity. Just my 2 cents.
Very tough decision to make for Murray. People need to realize Bernier is the best backup goalie in the league. Bernier really should be A starting goalie. Bernier will prove all the haters wrong and Quick will come back and still be hot! We need more goals. 3rd line needs to step up and so does Penner. If Penner doesn’t play good this season… Hopefully . Next season we can sign Parise!!!!!
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
@Luc, Nah, not that tough. TM could care less about fan drama.
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I like the nhl.com power rankings for the kings (ranking second behind Caps)
“Jonathan Quick hasn’t allowed a goal since 1893″
Hahahahahaha.
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brig33 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:37 pm
@Bill M., http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=597225 here’s the link if anybody wants to read it. I thought that quote was pretty hilarious as well lol.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@Bill M.,
What? You don’t believe it?
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This is a move that doesn’t make sense. I say play Quick on Tues at home and Thurs on the road against Dallas, then give Bernier the start Saturday at Phoenix and Quick Sundays game in Colorado.
Why not take into account the home and away games and the time off since Saturdays game. So is TM saying that if he had told Quick he was starting Tues and he got lit up for 5 that he would have gone back to him Tues?
Doesn’t make sense…..and it hurts my Fantasy team also.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@Dave Morin, Sounds good to me.
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“Bernier isn’t Ersberg”
No but he has let 4 goals in before. What he HASN’T done, is win a KHL championship. Just sayin’.
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to me its a good thing yea he should use the hot hand but why make ur Number 1 goalie super tired before the playoffs starts then he be nothing like he was in the playoffs against the Canucks yea he did won two games but he was super tired and it showed.
Last season he wasn’t tired against the Sharks and the only way the Sharks could beat Quick was cause our failure of a defense to hold their ground.
Bernier i will be cheering u on to win against the Devils..Let Quick Rest well deserves a rest.
Go Kings Go!!
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Stupid move, ride the hot hand. Wow no-brainer.
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I’m gonna back up Murray on this one, I think its a smart play. Bernier is still a great goalie too and I think he can beat NJ. Lets give Quick a little break his streak is still in tact and lets sick him on our conference rivals. Those are much bigger games for us really.
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King without a crown Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@jenny, Bernier has already lost once to New Jersey
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@King without a crown
Hmm…Quick was the first star in the previous game to New Jersey, which was a shootout loss.
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King without a crown Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, you are right…..got games mixed up. Doesn’t change the fact that Quicker should start.
jenny Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
@King without a crown, I know I saw the game, and I still believe he’s a great goalie and capable of starting in the NHL. We need to have confidence in him, Quick can’t play every game and he will have the rest of the team in front of him to help out.
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jenny Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
@jenny, who knows maybe its berniers turn for a shut out. Wouldn’t that really get the attention of the rest of the NHL.
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
@jenny,
It would get their attention, especially since its an Eastern Conference team. Bernier plays well and they’ll have something to say!
Go Bernie!
Deke'r Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
@King without a crown, ….time for redemption…
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Shucks, I was planning a “Quicks fourth shut out party” tomorrow night
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tornado12 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
@408kingsfan, it will have to be delayed until thurs…
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LittleRhody Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@408kingsfan, Well.. technically, he won’t give any goals, so I say, go for it, lol
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Just Win Baby!
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Quick has only started 5 games in a row. How is it that he needs a rest already?
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Capt Jam Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
@Dominick,
I don’t believe anyone said Quick needs a rest (“needs” being the key word).
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Murray seems to be good at not doing what he says he’s going to do, so one way or another, things aren’t going to make sense–especially when he says he’s “going to ride the hot hand” then tells his backup after two shutouts he’s going to start him after the next game…I mean…that’s what caused the “problem.” Murray’s “logic” is sometimes illogical.
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Sometimes? LOL
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Mr. Spock he is not!
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Kind of reminds me of the old joke “who is the only man who can hold Michael Jordan under 30 points?… Dean Smith”?
Who is the only man who can prevent Quick from 4 shutouts in a row? Terry Murray.
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jenny Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
@fuzzerson, the goalie change has no bearing on Quicks streak lol. His streak will remain unchanged until he plays next.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@fuzzerson, wrong, only way his streak stops is if he doesnt get a shutout the next game HE plays.
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jenny Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@fsd1, Erm i believe that’s what i just said lmfao. I didn’t elude to the outcome of the game i simply stated his streak doesn’t change until he plays next. I believe that’s what his streak will remain unchanged until he plays next means.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@jenny, that wrong wasnt at you, im pretty sure we agree on this. lol
KiNGS 4 LiFE Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@jenny, lol he repeated what you just said.
jenny Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@jenny, oh haha sorry
Platooning in net seems to be more in vogue this season than in recent years (at least earlier on). I’ve noticed VAN has done it. I noticed Tim Thomas got a night off early on in a non-back-to-back situation. WAS has done it also.
Face it, TM is fashionable. LOL.
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such fickle, fragile fans out and about…
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
@variable, cracking me up at all the drama. You would think Koupon put Stoll on the point with the PP.
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bad choice, horrible resoning. I’m sure Bernier understands how hot Quick is. He can wait.
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Showcasing JB to the Devils? Hmmm…
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Lets all try to have a little faith in our team, and team = everyone. It won’t be Bernier vs. NJ by himself, he will have the support of the rest of the team out in front of him. He is a great goalie in his own rights, and I believe he is capable of playing every bit as good as Quick on any given night.
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Dominick Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
@jenny, I think it isn’t a lack of faith in Bernier. No one’s worried about subpar goaltending. Many (including myself) are worried Quick cools off right in the middle of a record setting run. 5 days till his next start is a lot of time off, and a shutout record only comes along twice in the last 70 years.
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
@Dominick, Chance of Quick getting that record with all that rest I would put at about 1%. Change of Quick getting that record playing straight through about 1.1%. It ain’t gonna matter. Rather have a coach looking at the big picture than some record book that in the end doesn’t do anything for the team.
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I would go with Quick. It’s early in the season and I would prefer to have Quick play a lot of games in early in the season. Quick couldn’t get into a grove last year because he didn’t play enough games early on.
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vplaza Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@O-Dawg,
Hmm, Quick played 8 games in October last year and 8 in November. He had a three game and 7 game win streak during those two months (as well as a three game losing streak).
Bernier got in three games in October last year.
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
@O-Dawg, better go back to the stats page for another look.
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So much for playing the hot hand lol how hot does a goalie have to be?
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I guess I just wish Terry M was bright enough to say to Bernier last Saturday, “You will play Tuesday, UNLESS Quicker pitches another shutout”. Too bad he could not see all the possibilities ahead like maybe some coaches would have.
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dabronx Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@HB Kings Fan #99,
like
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fsd1 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@HB Kings Fan #99, really?
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Bernier is a better goalie than Quick that is why he is playing.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Kinger, No he isnt.
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@fsd1, For once, I completly agree with you.
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tacomakingsfan Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@Kinger,
Is that what the magic 8-ball said? LOL
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He has played 6 games after months off and we are worried about tiring him out? I say play him early and rest him if we are are able at the end of the season before the playoffs.
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DUMB MOVED on part of TMurray..This is the kind of sh!t that I dont like about TM..He did the same thing last year..Why bother putting Bernier when you have a goalie that is as hot as you can get..
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All I know is that this is a great problem to have at this point in the season……….
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Definitely a weird call considering what Murray said before about going with the hot hand,but on the other hand,Bernier does need to play. You want to keep him focused and ready. I don’t know I’m split down the middle on this decision,I probably would have went with Quick again though.
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After looking at this a little more, compared to last year, TM is doing something resembling “going with the hot hand” because last year, he put in Bernier quite often. It didn’t seem to have a negative effect on Quick since he won 7 in a row between Oct-Nov. Even through that, though, he didn’t play more than three games in a row early on.
This year, Quick has already played five games in a row. If TM were to ride Quick until he has a back-to-back game, this potentially means having him go seven or eight games in a row if you figure Bernier would get one of the back-to-back games.
Still, now that I think about it, I would have preferred to give Quick the start tomorrow and Dallas, give Bernier Phoenix, and then have Quick against Colorado. We were going to see Quick get a breather eventually, but I think that Saturday would have been my choice.
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KC23 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
@vplaza, I want Quick against the points that mean the most … Dallas and Phx. our division. NJ is eastern team and Col a conf, but back end of back to back.
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vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 5:15 am
@KC23,
I see the logic in that.
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well you usually dont want to see a streak interupted and you tend to ride them out to the end…. but the fact that Murray even considered this option shows the depth we have in net. As for taking sides on this call I dont like it personally for Quick but its early im not gonna throw my computer out the window over it.
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the team comes first
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The one thing to consider 2 years later is that it is Bernier and not Ersberg. Man did that guy stink. One of the worst goalies we have ever had….and that is saying alot. Where is he now?
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“It’s because of a decision I made a couple days ago. I let Bernier know on Saturday. I let him know after Saturday’s skate. I wanted to get him prepared.”
This is the only reason I am not Jumping all over TM’s back. He told Bernie before saturdays game that he would start and is sticking to it….cant blame him for that and im glad he is staying true to THIS word. with that said……Quick should be playing this game… Can someone please tell me one coach who has benched his starting Netminder after he has pitched 3 consecutive shutouts? Except TM of course… I like Bernier and think he gives a great chance to win no doubt but this game should be Quickies all the way… even with all the arguments in the last 135 posts taken into consideration.
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YoBro Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Why do so many refer to JB starting as “benching” Quick?? He’s just gonna “sit” for 1 game. JB has sat for 2-3 WEEKS! Get the guy in there and give him some work, especially now since the TEAM is playing excellent D right now. Have you not listened to JQ’s comments lately? He gives a boatload of credit to the team, as he should.
HE hasn’t shut out their opponents, the Kings have. And I’m certain the defensive corps takes a lot of pride in those as well.
I’m sure JB will be happy to get some of that defensive support, which was lacking in his only game so far this year. He’s a quality keeper too, he ain’t chopped liver!
I believe the team has confidence in him as well, so I’m not worried. Quick will get his shot to continue “the streak”. It ain’t no thing.
Go Kings
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Bernier has played one game this year, yes Murray has stuck to his word of playing the hot hand. Also playing the hot hand doesn’t mean the other guy won’t play at all. Starts are 6-1 in favor of Quick.
Sitting Quick a game is to keep him sharp longer, not just ride the pony until it drops. Some talk about riding the streak until it ends, Quick is going to stop playing well? Get the best out of him now before his play drops? Why not keep him at this top level all season long? Or are you just thinking about personal stats like shutouts and not what is best for the team?
GKG!
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Osaka, To answer your questions, No, Quick isn’t going to stop playing well, he’s going to stop playing GREAT. Yes, I put GREAT in caps for a reason. Yes you get the best out of him now until his play drops, he’s not going to pitch a shutout every night. How are we ruining the rest of his season by playing him in one extra game with 2 days off before hand and 1 day off afterwards? Isn’t playing your best goalie best for the team? No one is saying play Quick every single game, by all means rest him in back to back games this weekend. Also, no one would be bringing this up if Quick was simply playing well. We’re bringing it up because he’s been on fire, huge difference. In my post towards the top of this page I pointed out the fact that had he played tomorrow, and only played once this weekend, he would’ve only played 4 games in 12 days. That’s not going to burn him out, IMO of course.
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Osaka Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
@CB14, If I was the coach I would play Quick but to me the fact he is going with Bernier is a nonissue. You can always make an issue of why Quick should start. Of course Quick won’t pitch a shutout all season but for the sake of argument lets say he does for 79 game. You would never play Bernier? We have Dallas and Phoenix coming up this week, I would rather see Quick play against those two division teams since he shut them both out last week. Rest him a day to be ready for them makes perfect sense to me.
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CB14 Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
@Osaka, I would play Bernier in game 2 of the back to back games this weekend. That would hypothetically mean Quick already had 6 straight shutouts. BTW, I realize that’s unreal, just saying when I would play Bernier. The main problem I have with your, and TM’s theory, is that just because JQ plays tomorrow, that doesn’t mean he can’t play Thursday and Saturday. He would have 1 day off in between games, and the travel’s not horrible. LA to Dallas, and Dallas to Phoenix. Doesn’t seem that bad. That would enable him to continue the streak, and we wouldn’t be burning him out. He just had 2 off days, and after Saturdays game he would have 4 days off until his next game on Saturday. I too want Quick to play against our division rivals, and playing him tomorrow wouldn’t change anything about that. If tomorrow’s game was the beginnig of a back to back situation, I would have no problem resting him in game 2.
kings king Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
@Osaka, It’s not the descision itself thats puzzling, its the reasoning behind it. What coach in their right mind sits the #1 goalie in the NHL. Obviously Bernie will play but clearly now is not the time to make a switch.
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Osaka Reply:
October 24th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
@kings king, So if Quicks stats remain the best in the league the whole year Murray can never sit him? I expect Quick to be great all year so I have no issue with him sitting against NJ when we have 2 division games coming this week. Who sits the number one goalie? The coach of the team who has the number one goalie to answer your question. I can see my fellow King fans aren’t used to success, have faith guys. We have a great team. Don’t expect something bad to happen.
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Maybe the largest problem is that Murray sticks foot in mouth, saying something than seemingly going against it.
He also snapped at the fans booing the team, then later apologized for snapping at the fans for booing the team.
Just do the job. Get us that large silver chalice thing. Then he can say or do whatever he wants.
Too a point!
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This is a Stanley Cup winning roster, but is this a Stanley Cup winning coach? I don’t see how playing the hot hand is telling Bernier he’s getting a start in advance. 3 shutouts isn’t hot enough for you or what? We’re only 7 games into the season, it’s not like Quick needs a rest. This is why the kings get laughed at by the league. The hottest goalie in the league and the NHL’s #1 star of the week gets the seat for no logical reason. No offense we have two great goaltenders but last I remember Bernier let in 4 goals. Does Quick even have a regulation loss at this point? No he doesn’t. Obviously you can’t hate it, because Bernier is an amazing young goalie, but no coach, I mean no coach would sit a goalie with 3 shutouts a sub-1 GAA and a .972 sv% and 5 wins in 6 starts. Murray sits there and calls him his #1 guy but he treats him like he’s still fighting for the spot. This is not the time to put Bernier in, regardless of weather he wins or not tomorrow. This is the time to go to JB and say hey I’ve got to play Quicker tonight. Guy sets a new franchise record and gets rewarded for with the bench. My goodness what a coach. If Bernie wins I will obviously praise him because he deserves it, but Murray will get no praise for this. Terrible coaching descision.
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What a boneheaded move. Firstly, you don’t mess with a streak. Secondly, what happens if bernier let’s in a few softies? Then Quick gets thrown in and you mess with the streak. Something like this happens very seldom. You don’t mess with it.
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coaches shouldnt be the ones who ” learn lessons” they sould be the ones teaching them.
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A lot of people on this blog rag on Murray for a lot of different things (some of it probably deserved). In my case I am supportive of Murray because our kids have grown and thrived under him (unlike with “The Hedgehog”); and he’s returned us to playoff hockey after a long drought. And even though it’s ancient history now, Murray grossly mishandled things with Ersberg and Quick that season.
First of all, like now, Quick was on a hot streak so why sit him down? And if you were going to sit him down, why do it against the Rangers? At the time the Rangers were the hottest team in the NHL. But Murray ignores all of that and Ersberg gets shelled. And then Murray decides he has no confidence in Ersberg and overplays Quick, including in several back to back games. So is it any wonder that Quick suffered from failure to thrive against the Canucks?
Ersberg, to his credit, never did any public whining and complaining. And Murray, to his credit, admitted he overplayed Quick. But he never did acknowledge his shabby treatment of Ersberg.
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I wonder what the players think about this and the impact on their morale. One of the so-called cardinal rules of sport is never to mess with a hot streak. The team is playing super-confidently in front of Quick–will they feel the same in front of Bernier? Will the change alone unsettle them?
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Way to out think yourself Terry
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I am with those who say stay with the hot hand. Its no slight to Bernier at all. I also wonder about the logic those who are saying start Quick in the important Conference games and Bernier in the “less important” non Conference games. EVERY game/point is important!!! And for those who say keep Quick fresh for the playoff drive… You know how you do that? You get out to a 10-15 pt lead in your division early in the year (riding the hot guy – whoever that is). Then you are not in a PUSH in the last week/month of the season in the 1st place. What a concept!
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c’mon Rich! don’t bash Ersberg!! haha In all seriousness…i think it is a good long term move and at this point “In Dean I Trust” but also “In TM I Trust”….for now anyway lol
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Think its a smart move, gotta keep Bernier sharp too. He’s gonna have to play later this week when Kings play back to back
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