If you want to register your vote, at the end of this post is a poll about tonight’s starting-goalie decision. What do you think? Regardless, with all the focus on what Jonathan Quick is and isn’t doing, don’t forget that Jonathan Bernier will actually be playing tonight. It’s been a curious month for Bernier, who was outstanding in training camp and preseason games, but then did not look sharp in his season debut, in the loss to Buffalo in Berlin. That was 17 days ago, and Bernier hasn’t played since. Now he gets dropped into the middle of a much-discussed game. Bernier maintained a good sense of humor today. Given that Terry Murray told Bernier, before Saturday’s game, that he would be starting Tuesday, I asked Bernier what went through his mind when he saw Quick record a third consecutive shutout on Saturday…
BERNIER: “Well, first of all I was happy for him, but then I wasn’t sure if I was still going to be in net tonight. But I guess he [Murray] kept his word, and I’m happy to be back in.”
Question: There’s quite a bit of attention on this, given the fact that Quick isn’t starting. Do you feel any extra pressure at all?
BERNIER: “That’s (Quick’s) thing. He did three shutouts. I’m not part of that. The whole team is part of three shutouts, but for me it’s just about going in and trying to win the hockey game.”
Question: How have the last couple weeks of practice been going for you?
BERNIER: “Yeah, I feel pretty good. Obviously it was long, because when we came back from Europe we didn’t play that many games. So it was a pretty big grind, but I feel pretty good now.”
Question: You obviously watched the last game against New Jersey. What are you expecting tonight? Another low-scoring game?
BERNIER: “Yeah, I’m sure. We’ve been playing pretty good defensively. I think we’ve just got to keep rolling with that same mentality we’ve had in the past few games.”
Its a bad question. Of course I don’t agree with it but I respect the decision.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Jgomez, then how can it be a bad question? your answer would be no. pretty straight forward to me.
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Jgomez Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@fsd1, I guess I just don’t like the question. Whats the next poll?
“Should TM tell his goalies they will play in the next game but change his mind due to a streak?”
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fsd1 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
@Jgomez, coach can change his mind anytime he wants, he’s the coach.
CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@fsd1, No he can’t. Terry Murray said so himself. 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.’’
Apparently TM can’t change his mind whenever he wants.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2011/10/24/murray-explains-goalie-choice/
PCloadletter Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
I want the choice of “I will know if I agree or disagree after the game”. I don’t think to be wrong so I will save my answer until after the game. The Kings winning or losing tonight will have a big affect on my answer.
Hindsight is 20/20.
PCloadletter Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
That was “like to be wrong”*
wavesinair Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@fsd1,
I think the broader question is: “Do you agree with Terry Murray’s handling of the goalies?” …as opposed to this particular decision.
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
@wavesinair, I think that’s pretty much what Rich meant. At least that’s what I took it to mean.
fsd1 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
@wavesinair, yes
Sebastian Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Jgomez, sounds like youre not sure
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lilly Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@Jgomez, I understand where you’re coming from. Saying no to me feels like saying I don’t support Bernier or think he should get starts, which I do. I just don’t support sitting JQ during a streak. Saying yes makes me feel like I’m 100% OK with it, which I’m not and saying “not sure” makes it sound like I don’t have a firm opinion, which I do. None of the answers seems quite right. How about D. It’s complicated.
Anyways, Bernier is starting and I’ll be home cheering him and the guys on looking for revenge for last weeks loss.
GO KINGS!
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going to the game tonight.Have great low level seats.
will watch Bernier start his own streak as the king are playing great defense all year no matter who`s playing goal.
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jet Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@frazier king, this is the fan I want to sit next to
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@frazier king, Bernie starting his own string of win’s or shutout’s is the first thing I thought after reading Rich’s post. The team defence has been great, a few gaf’s here in there aside.
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If the Kings keeps playing well in front of Bernier tonight, I think we have a great chance to continue the Kings shutout streak by starting a new one with Bernier in net. I will go and say it, Bernier shuts down the Devils tonight…..Take it to the bank……….Hopefully……….Heck, just get the win & the 2 points & I will be happy!!! If things do go south tonight, like Ricky Ricardo say’s “Murry’s gonna have some splanin to do”!!!
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fsd1 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
@King Alex, not to anyone that reads this blog….
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Can you imagine if Bernier gets a shutout @@
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IceGuy Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@Whodawat,
I think Bernie ought to really put the screws to the Devils, and Murray, by getting a shutout tonight.
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MB Kings Fan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@IceGuy, Well…you know he’s gotta be motivated as hell!
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Whodawat Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@IceGuy, better yet, i wonder which of the following will play out:
1) Bernier shuts out NJ, Quick gets shelled in DAL and gives up 5 goals
- TM gets blame for not riding Quick’s hot streak
2) Bernier gets shelled by NJ, Quick gets shelled in DAL
- TM best avoid Kings fans for a while
3) Berner gets shelled by NJ, Quick shuts out DAL again
- TM is a genius
4) Bernier shuts out NJ, Quick shuts out DAL
- LA Kings 2012 Stanley Cup Champions
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
@Whodawat, I vote for No.4!
I hope Bernier has a great game. Not because I think he’s better than Quick, or because I think he needs to prove TM made the right decision to start him, or anything like that.
I want him to have a great game because if he does, then more than likely, the Kings are having a great game and should get two points.
Let’s wait and see after the game tonight and after Thursday night’s game if TM’s decision had any negative effects.
GKG!
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Deke'r Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@vplaza, Like I said before…as a head coach you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t! Don’t see how this decision could have any negative effects….does that mean any time Bernier is in that’s a negative effect?
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vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Deke’r,
That’s exactly what it is…damned if you do, damned if you don’t. People are taking TM too literally with the “ride the hot hand” comment, IMHO. Does this mean he plays JQ until he drops, allows four goals in a period, or what? At some point in the schedule, Bernier needed to get ice time.
This just so happens to be one of those games in the schedule that made sense. However, Quick’s personal shutout streak makes logic less important to some, making it more important that he keeps his streak going, so we have startergate.
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@vplaza, Startergate. LOL I like it! Rich should use that in the next post about this subject. Like how the Ryan Smyth fiasco became Mulletgate.
vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
@CB14,
I can’t take credit for “startergate”. Someone else coined that.
I will take credit for JMFQ, however.
FiG17 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@vplaza,
I feel like if Bernier has a bad game, I’m not coming anywhere near this blog… people are gonna want TM’s head.
I understand both sides of the argument. All I know for sure is that I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make these kinds of decisions.
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vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@FiG17,
LOL, if the villagers come out with the pitchforks for TM, well, I guess that would be same old-same old around here. It would be followed by the “Trade Bernier for Parise” calls, no doubt, before he loses his value.
But, if Bernier has a bad game tonight, I’d rather he get that out of his system as opposed to having a bad game this weekend against Colorado.
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Pesus Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
@vplaza,
Just to be clear, u wouldnt trade bernier for parise? It would have to be a sign and deal, not a rental.
i said yes just becuz i respect TMs decision…hes keeping his word with berneir and it wont effect quicks record.. but maybe the teams. hopefully not EFFFF new jersey!
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Good luck tonight Bernier. and Kill it tonight.
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fsd1 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
@Dominick, yea baby, do it JB!!!!
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letswinthecup2012 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
@Dominick, Were gonna keep on rollin tonight..
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goldielocks Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Dominick,
Good test for Bernier and D corp.
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@goldielocks, New Jerseys 29th ranked offense in the NHL disagrees with you.
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goldielocks Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@CB14,
They put up the good game last time I recall. And Kovalchk and Parise are always threat.
Boy, I wish I could see video of this interview. Just to place words to demeanor you know?
Buffalo is one heck of a team.
‘I wasn’t sure if I was still going to be in net tonight’. Even Bernie thought the obvious. I don;t think he would have been disappointed or felt bad. If he was the hot hand, he’d want the same respect.
Again, I hope Terry Murray is right. 2 points.
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Cynic Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Cynic, In case you’re wondering, I mention Buffalo as the last team Bernier played against. Kind of giving him the benefit of the doubt there.
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wavesinair Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
@Cynic, Arguing with yourself again?
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this decision is about team balance being more important than indivual accomplishments. seems straight forward to me.
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Deke'r Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@tornado12, ….you’d think it would be straight forward to everyone….but NOOOOOO!
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tornado12 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Deke’r, hey, I guess if nothing else, it gives us all something to talk about right? I love the passion from the fans. We all bleed mauve and gold, or purple and black or black and white or what are our colors again?
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408kingsfan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@tornado12, yeah dude its sort of funny how long this topic has dragged on. Maybe I really do need to get a life. Lol
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I don’t care if Bernier gets a shut out or not, but i do expect the team to play a solid game in front of him. Nobody is denying that 3 straight shut outs is very impressive, but lets not forget a couple things. He didn’t do it alone, and that last game against Dallas could not have been closer. They missed some open nets, hit a post, and had pretty good offensive cycling and sustained pressure on a number of different shifts. Also, the Kings only scored 1 goal, so… a couple of bounces go against us and, not only do we not get the shut out, but we also lose the game. Sometimes it really is a game of inches. Either way, I want to see this team play well and earn the win. If Bernier steals the game, great. But i’d rather see a team win here tonight.
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Doc Allen Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@Helvetica, Well said
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Deke'r Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
@Helvetica, That’s what I thought, if JQ would have dominated then I could relate to the concern of the gaolie change….we got some good bounces vs Dallas.
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Deke'r Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
@Deke’r, goalie..
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If the Devils score, I’ll see y’all tomorrow
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Zeley Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@jet,
smart fan
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
@jet, Tonight will be ok jet, I won’t blame Murray unless Quick struggles on Thursday.
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Ian Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@CB14, I agree. How Quick handles the extra rest is the most significant part of this decision.
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vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@jet,
Does that mean if they don’t score, you won’t see us all tomorrow?
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New Jersey is icing an AHL-caliber lineup tonight. Because of injury and sickness, a D-man will be playing 4th line LW and Zach Parise will be a center again.
This is a game the Kings are capable of winning and should win.
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:14 pm
@Jonathan, Also sounds like this would’ve been a great chance for Quick to extend his shutout streak.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@CB14, dont do it to yourself buddy! the pain is not worth it
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I know, but I can’t help myself. I was sort of hoping this discussion would be over with when I got home from work today, then I see it’s still the major talking point and it just disappoints me that Quick doesn’t get to play against the 29th ranked offense in the NHL. What a great opportunity for Quick to extend his streak.
Deke'r Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Jonathan, These are the hardest games to win….the ones you SHOULD win….
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Ian Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@Jonathan, I’ve learned to not take anyone lightly. We we’re supposed to catch a break last game with Raycroft, and he played every bit as good as Lehtonen could have.
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It’s a long season and we have a perfectly capable backup in Bernier.
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Damm Lonbardi, if it wasn’t for him we woundn’t be fighting over who plays tonight, Ersberg or Labarba, who cares.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@jet,
Fire DL?
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Poll….. Who is the most worried about tonight????????? Bernier?
Murray?
Rich ?
My vote is Rich…If Bernier plays bad ….this blog will blow up with anti TM comments!!!!!
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Bill M. Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@neil, I think you’ve nailed this one. A bad performance tonight has by far the greatest impact on Rich.
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Go Bernier, show them you to are a damj good goalie. Stand on your head tonight and kick some Devil booty. GO KINGS
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Don’t think it’s a terrible decision or anything, and I do see TM’s point with this.
That said, if I’m the coach of the Kings I’m not removing Quick in the middle of a shutout streak. You ride the hot hand. These 2 points are against an Eastern conference opponent, yes, but they’re still worth 2 points. Quick hasn’t allowed a regulation goal since the Philly game – if Quick tells me he feels good, I’m not messing with his routine or timing he has going right now.
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Maurice Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
I agree. Quick is in the zone right now and you don’t want to cool him off.
No matter what, GO KINGS GO!
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goldielocks Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache,
You smell like milk.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, Im in total agreement
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Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Lanny McDonald’s ‘Stache, I agree also.
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I just want to say that Bernier is a great goalie and we are fortunate to have him on our team and i am fully confident he can get us the 2 points against NJ tonight…I voted NO! I do not agree with TM decision! should be Quick in net tonight. Again…….. let me repeat, I have full confidence in Bernie to get it done.
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Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I’m in the same boat. Guess we’re paddling together on this one.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Dominick, Doggie paddle? must be….it seems everyone else is swimming freestyle and left us in thier wake with those poll results. I thought for sure it would at least somewhat even…guess not!
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Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I’m sure most don’t mind one way or the other. Just go with it since Berniers playing anyway.
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@Dominick, sorry, you said in a boat didnt you….guess were padleless then. Im going with it…ive never had an issue any other time Bernie has played and this is no different. Again hes a great goalie and gives us the chance to win. TM just always seems to make me shake my head in disbelief one way or another
CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I’m guessing your head is always shaking sideways instead of up and down after one of Terry Murray’s decisions.
Great decision to put Bernier in net. He deserves it and he will be the Kings starting goalie at some point in time this season.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Kinger,
He is tonight
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maybe Bernier will start his own shutout streak tonight…..GO JB !!
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I agree with the logics but the only issue I have is right now Quick is in the zone and I wonder if this break in games will cool him off.
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The team played very well for the whole 60 minutes in front of Quick last Tuesday. They seemed to struggle a bit on Thursday and had to rely on Quick for the win on Thursday. Saturday’s game was all Quicker. He won the game. He’s so humble and won’t admit it, but he did. The rest of the team seemed to lose a little focus.
Did they rely on Quich too much? Either way they were a bit off. Tonight, with Bernier in net, the guys will probably be a little more focused. I look for a really focuse, strong effort for the entire 60 minutes. If Quick were in they might grip their sticks a little too tightly on the back end. I think this is a great point in time to insert Bernier.
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miracle.on.manchester Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
@Michael J., Insightful. Just as in game when a goalie is pulled, it is not so much the coach singling out the goalie but instead making a comment on the players in front of the goalie.
So, maybe TM is letting the skaters know they need to pick it up a notch and not rely on JQ so much all the time.
As a coach, sometimes buttons need to be pushed to get more out of them that a practice cannot induce. All of this hand-wringing may be for naught since it may have nothing to do with JB or JQ as much as it has to do with the rest of the skaters. TM maybe trying to fire up the boys to get more offense out of them.
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How good do we have now as Kings fans? We are not upset that TM is starting a goalie that is trying to make a name for himself or starting him just to see what he can do. On the majority of NHL teams he would most likely be a starter.
I think Bernier is going to play great, but I thought we were supposed to go with the hot hand this year? Either way as long as we come out with the two points. This is a team game and we do need to get the whole team involved.
Anyone going to the game tonight?
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I love the idea of JB getting a shutout, not to complicate life for TM, but more for the purpose of messing with all the fam’s minds. They seem to have such a hard and run around like chickens with their heads cut off worrying who should be on goal, lol.
Win or lose it will be a team effort or failure…just like JMFQ always says.
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Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@Gustavo, Weren’t you the one who wants to run around and trade DD?
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Only streak I’m concerned about is the winning streak. Go JB!!!
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vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
@KC23,
Sounds more sensible than trying to make sense of “Startergate”, I guess.
Go JB and GKG!
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Really, this is only one game out of 100+ (optimistically) and it isn’t worth all the hand-wringing. Keep all the players involved and feeling part of the team, and think long term.
GKG!
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How about we sit Martinez and play both Quick and JB? there is no way the other team scores with both our goalies out there
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Why are you sitting Martinez and not Voynov?
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Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@CB14, We should sit Kopi. He’s played 7 games in a row.
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vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Dominick,
Might as well sit the rest of the team.
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
@Dominick, yeah….Kopi must be getting burnt out
Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Kopi is the hottest hand right now.
CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@All you guys, we’ve got Quisp on our side too. The headline of his post looks like something I would write.
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2011/10/24/2511315/youre-a-an-idiot-b-pathologically-rigid-c-suicidally-arrogant-d-just
CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Dominick, So of course we must sit Kopi.
vplaza Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
@Dominick,
Only guy on the ice should be Bernier and Voynov. They’ve played 1 and 3 games respectively. Everyone else needs to sit.
Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
@vplaza,
Hell! I say sub Parse for Kopi, Hunter for Williams, and Whiskey for JJ. Those guys need to play so their not rusty later.
CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
@Dominick, Are you sure you’re really not Terry Murray? Because you sound just like him.
Dominick Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@CB14,
LOL, I haven’t quite figured out if I’m his doppleganger, or his Bizzaro.
I wonder what the NHL record is for platoon shutout goaltending. Theoretically, we could have two streaks going simultaneously.
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So kings fans, tell me what is the up to date status with Frazier??? Is he still hurt and still on IR? Last time I heard TM say anything was acouple of weeks ago Frazier camem to TM and said he was fine and ok to play? TM said he would pass that info on to DL. So whats the latest???
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Using Terry Murray’s “the hot hand stays in” philosophy it should work like this:
1. Play until you lose. Then…
2. Play the alternate goalie until they lose.
3. On back-to-back games, the alternate goalie plays game two, but the plan calls for the hot goalie to be back in net the next game UNLESS it’s a shutout.
So in the current scenario, I would be playing Quick. Bernier gets his next opportunity when A) Quick loses, or B) when it’s a back-to-back game. His goal would be a shutout in order to bounce Quick out of the starting spot.
The only risks to my proposal (at least that I can see) is pressure on the alternate goalie to attain the shutout, and what happens after the opposition scores that first goal. Does the goalie fall apart or do they keep it together for the remainder of the game?
Go Kings!
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Oh to watch the NHL blogosphere blow up…puck daddy showing our discussions if JB gets a shutout
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Bernier this is your chance.
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CB14 Reply:
October 25th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
@King Sachmo Stallion Maximus The Great, Best name EVER.
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Would be cool for Quickie to be able to continue his streak, but Bernie does need his time on ice for 2 huge reasons: 1) He needs to allow Quick to rest up, and 2) if he doesn’t play, he’s not going to get any better. Truth be told, I wish we could clone Quickie.
I look at it this way, we need another win. Plain and simple. We need as many as we can get. And IMO if Quickie gets a shutout in his next start, then he still has a personal streak, who cares if he doesn’t have the chance to set a league streak record (would be cool, but not nearly as important as the team as a whole staying strong).
Unfortunately, I won’t be going to the game tonight. But I’m gonna be sitting at home double-fisting some Molson and cheering for Bernie and my Kings.
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Does anyone know why when I post on my Blackberry it goes to moderation and doesnt on my laptop?
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Just voted ‘YES’. Once TM told JB he was going to start tonight, it was a done deal. Just wish he would stick to decision’s regarding line combinations for more than 30 minutes.
GKG!!
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i think all of you agree that Quick should get an asterisk * next to his name if he continues his shut out streak… it wouldnt be natural! ……….
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Nothing against Bernier at all, because he’s a fine player and we are very fortunate to have him. But he is the #2 goalie. Unless the #1 goalie is injured, tired, on a losing streak, distracted or losing focus, leaving the crease way too often, having a bad hair day, or whatever, you go with your #1 goalie. I think Murray made a mistake promising the game to Bernier, just as I think he made a mistake last season when he decided who was going to play a particular game well in advance of that game. Arguably, I think that decision cost us a couple of wins. I think if you are the coach you should go with who is healthy, hot, and winning games, and you don’t worry about hurting somebody’s feelings. The team chemistry has been great. Why mess with it unless you have to?
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Kovalchuk, Zajac, and Parise against Bernier, I dont like it. Especially with Kovy playing like 30 min a game.. Bernier is a good initial stopper, but can he stop the ones headed for the corners? Team better be in those shooting lanes tonight. GKG.
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I didnt read most of the comments but I voted that I agree with TM’s decision based on the fact that in the next 4 games, tonights game is not a division game and we need the hot goaltender in net against the division rivals.
My only consirn about this decision is, will Quick cool off with this break? I hope not…
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