This has been an outstanding season for Jonathan Quick, which is good news for the Kings in general and Quick specifically, but what about Jonathan Bernier? Last season, Bernier played 25 games and did a solid job, particularly in the second half of the season. This season, Bernier has appeared in only nine games. Most notably of late, Darry Sutter chose Quick to start both games in a back-to-back set against Calgary and Edmonton, rather than give Bernier a start. Quick did just fine, but what does that mean long-term, both for the Kings and Bernier? Bernier is on pace to appear in only 15 games. Is that too much work for Quick?
And what does it mean for Bernier? A former first-round pick, Bernier is 23 years old and is highly regarded around the league as a potential future NHL No. 1 goalie. Assuming the Kings eventually lock up Quick to a long-term contract — he’s due to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2013 — what does that mean for Bernier? Bernier is also under contract through 2012-13, but might the Kings look to trade him before then? One would have to think that any of the teams with goaltending issues — and there are several — would love to have Bernier, but is he playing enough to generate a strong trade offer?
Bernier has a 2.73 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage this season. Overall, that’s not exactly stellar, but Bernier, after a wobbly start, has allowed two or fewer goals in each of his last five starts. Mostly because Quick has been so exception, Bernier isn’t playing much. Quick has appeared in 40 games. Only Ottawa’s Craig Anderson (44), Nashville’s Pekka Rinne (42), Calgary’s Miikka Kiprusoff (41) and Carolina’s Cam Ward (41) have appeared in more games.
Bernier has played 528 minutes, 10 seconds, this season. Among full-time backups, only five goalies have played fewer minutes, and four of them are older (over 30) backups. The most comparable situation is in Nashville. Backup goalie Anders Lindback is 23 and has played only 452 minutes, 7 seconds, this season. To his credit, Bernier hasn’t complained. It’s not the easiest of jobs, being a backup goalie who is thrust into action only once every couple of weeks. That said, I asked Sutter whether he had any specific conversations with Bernier about staying sharp despite the lack of game time…
SUTTER: “No. That’s his job. Our season, one season ends on Monday and another one starts a week after that [after the All-Star break). That’s the way I look at it. If players aren’t staying sharp in practice, that’s going to be their problem, not mine. He’s [Bernier] been fine. He’s been awesome. What more do you want? Obviously he probably wants to play more, but it’s about winning games right now. We’re in a playoff battle, and when he goes in, he better look at it like it’s Game 7.’’
Question: Do you sit down and map out a plan for games, in terms of the goalies?
SUTTER: “I think everybody that’s got an ace (goalie) does that, tries to, but very seldom does that hold. Especially when you’re in a year when your team gets an eight-day break. That’s when you have to try to manage that. Quite honestly, we have 32 (games) left after the break and we have six back-to-backs and a lot of road games. So you have to think that he’s [Bernier] going to play more than he did in the first 50.’’
I see JB getting more games in as well. We don not want Quickie getting fatigued when the playoffs come around…
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Lets say we traded JB. If JQ was to get injured who would be our backup?
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flats Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
@Lead Feet, Manchester has two more than capable backups in Zatkoff and Jones. I would have no problem with either in a backup position
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Crownme87 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
@flats, So you’re telling me if Quick goes down in the playoffs (God forbid) you think Zatkoff or Jones can step right in and lead us to the Stanley Cup? I wish I had your faith!
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art Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:57 pm
@Crownme87,
Well Bernier isn’t going to lead us to the Stanley Cup either. If Quick goes down, our season is over. Same with Kopitar. There’s too much competition out there. I’m not saying Bernier isn’t a capable backup, but he certainly hasn’t shown us anything to make us believe he can lead us to the cup. Zatkoff and Jones are capable back-ups that can play a few games and give Quick some rest. That is the same thing that Bernier is now. If Quick were to get injured, it doesn’t matter if Bernier or Zatkoff take over, the end result will be a playoff loss.
adanac Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:26 am
@Crownme87, I guess we could say the same with Vancouver, Boston etc. It’s not a question if but when Bernier will be traded and we will probably pick up a veteran back-up.
MindGeyser Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@art, Bernier has shown he can stop NHL-caliber shots with high regularity in limited action. He can blank teams; he can rob shooters. Zatkoff and Jones have shown none of the above in their combined total of 0 NHL games played. You are comparing what Bernier has shown versus what you THINK Zatkoff or Jones will show, and I don’t think that’s a good comparison to make.
DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
@Lead Feet, that isn’t the question, the question should be… what if Quick decides to pull a Doughty and starts asking for 7.5 mil a year? Quick is unrestricted, Bernier is restricted and probably cheaper. We know Bernier can start at the NHL level, not so much with Katkoff and Jones (they’re maybe backups). It’s no question that we want Quick back, but who’s to say he wants to come back, he doesn’t have to, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent… Bernier on the other hand is locked in until we decide otherwise or his next contract expires.
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jason Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
@DEH, if that happens then we pay him… Quick is not someone you get rid of and bernier has proven nothing.. We can cut some expensive players that arent producing and problem solved
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DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
@jason, that’s still some expensive buyout and teams aren’t going to trade for expensive players who aren’t producing. I’m just saying if DL is going to add offense like people want it’s going to cost some money and that money might get in the way of resigning Quick. And Bernier has proven to be solid NHL goalie in what little starts he had, the only reason he isn’t a starter is b/c Quick is a top 5 NHL goalie. And Bernier seems to do better in the second half of the season when he gets a more consistent work load. All I’m saying is Bernier isn’t exactly a bad plan B if Quick’s contract situation gets out of hand and/or it turns out that he doesn’t want to come back.
jofa6000 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:43 am
@jason, really? bernier hasnt proved nothing? u know y?… cz he hasnt played much. bernier is way better than quick, any day of the week. we trade bernier we’re going to regret it.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
@DEH, Did you ever hear of a guy named Jimmy Howard??
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art Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:16 am
@DEH,
Of course we know Benier can start at the NHL level, just like Fukufuji can. The thing we don’t know is if Bernier can succeed as a starter at the NHL level. He hasn’t proven anything more than Jason LaBarbera did by being the top AHL goalie. I’m not saying Bernier is a bad plan B either, just that the kings have had plan B as their goaltender situation for far too long and it hasn’t turned out too well. If Quick keeps getting better and is the top goalie by the time his contract is up, then we will probably have to give him whatever the going rate is, even if we have to cut some other guys. DL has done a good job on positioning the team to be able to re-sign Quick. Gagne and Scuderi will come off the books when Quick is a UFA, leaving us with 6.9mil in cap space for Quick’s raise. I like Bernier but he’s not getting a chance as long as Quick is here. Bernier has potential to put up the numbers that Quick can, but he doesn’t come close to having the intangibles that Quick has.
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DEH Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 6:58 am
@art, 6.9 mil in cap space is assuming no other moves are made to get scorers which will require at least 2 mil each on the cap for free agents and assume we promote 2 from the AHL that will cost us around 1.5 to 2.5 mil on the cap, leaving 4.4 to 5.4 mil for Quick. And Fakufuji sure as heck proved he can not start in the NHL, hence why he is no longer on a NHL roster. The only reason he ever started in the NHL was because the Kings were starting just about any bum they could find in goal at that point. The only reason why JB hasn’t proven anything is because he doesn’t get regular starts. In the few games he played in the NHL he’s been solid. I mean if JB hasn’t proven anything then we wouldn’t be talking about him now and there would be no trade interest around him.
USHA#17 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:27 am
@art, I would not sell this man short as you seem ready to do. Bernier is an “in the groove” type of goalie. Once he hits stride it’s hard to move him.
Marty'sFist's Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 3:45 am
@DEH, Trade Quick, no way. If we had a good goalie, better than average, we still wouldn’t be in the playoffs right now. Quick is a supernatural goalie (remember the puck that changed direction on it’s own to stop a goal last season). Don’t trade our proven best asset for a shoulda, woulda, coulda.
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KingMe20 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:39 am
@DEH,
I really don’t see Quick commanding $7M on the open market unless he also wins the Vezina and the Conn Smythe. He’s not yet proven anything in the playoffs, and he’s not generally regarded as an “elite” goalie like Tim Thomas, Martin Brodeur (in his prime), or Henrik Lundqvist, even if we all think he should be. You could probably argue that his career is a bit similar to Luongo’s at the time he signed his big contract, cause he hadn’t proven anything yet. I would argue that most GMs think Luongo’s deal was terrible for Vancouver at its price, and that he should probably have been paid around $5-5.5M, which I think is probably even more than they’d be willing to give Quick at this point.
Now, if there ends up being a bidding war, who knows? I doubt it will get that far, though. I doubt that the expiration of Quick’s contract is something that has slipped Dean Lombardi’s mind, and I really think you’ll see a long-term extension before July 1st here.
Then again, there’s a reason that neither you nor I are GMs in this league, so what do I know?
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stilts19 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
@Lead Feet, Zatkoff was recently goalie of the month in the AHL. Martin Jones has won WJC Jrs for Canada. I think that tending is a depth position in LA for a change. Quick came outta nowhere and threw a spanner into the plans of the Kings front office (even if it’s a great problem to have!)…
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
@stilts19, Just because someone is good in the Ahl or Juniors doesn’t mean it will translate to the NHL. Look at Mason in Columbus he did real well in Juniors, even knocking Bernier out of the #1 in the World Juniors, had a great rookie campaign and now can’t stop the puck and Columbus is most likely going to go in a different direction. You do not want to go into a season with Jones and Zatkoff as backups or playoffs, when Quick could get injured and we will have to rely on the backup.
As for Quick pulling a Doughty how can you say that? I mean what Doughty did was within the rules of the CBA. He did exactly what is right for him within the rules. Even though I don’t think he should be getting paid that much, it is a situation that needs to be changed within the new CBA. Now if you think Quick isn’t going to ask for 7+ million then you got your head in the sand. Rinne of Nashville just signed a new contract for 7 mill a year, do you really think that Quick is lower then Rinne? I happen to think he is better and will probably get more then 7 mil, especially if he leads us past the first round. The problem for the Kings is will they be able to afford him, knowing they probably are going to be paying Parise or someone of that ilk 7+ mil. It is going to be interesting to see what happens next season.
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Christian T Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@Jeff_R, Quick won’t pull a Doughty because most teams are moving away from paying that kind of money for a goalie. As stated above if Quick got injured I’d be okay in the future using Zatkoff and Jones. For now there is no need to even worry about that. We have 2 number 1 goalies but one is going to be moved in the next year or so. There is no smart reason to have these two on the same team after 2013. I expect to see Quick sign a very fair contract, if he wants to remain a King as soon as he is eligible. I believe the rule is that going into your final year a player can negotiate and extension.
For all the doom and gloom “the sky is falling” fans, one reason not to worry is that a smart goaltender like Quick is going to look at a team that makes him look as good as he is. There are very few teams that have our defense. The Kings are set for a few years with a few tweaks as older D leave. Other strong defensive teams already have their goalies locked up so our chances are pretty good that Quick is the man.
Unless someone offers A Parise type player I don’t see Bernier moving until next year.
Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@Jeff_R,
On DD, There was no precedence for a 21 year old defenseman with a top end talent to set the price. There were older defensemen who made good money, but none who had accomplished what DD had by the time he was 21. That made paying for that top end higher then his predecessors.
Quicks price has precedence because there are other 27 year old goalies with simular stats to draw a comparison too. I don’t think the Kings will be able to afford Quick with Kopis’ contract coming up, and at over 7 million when it does. If Dean signs another 7 million dollar player (like Parise, who everybody is screamin for), Quick is history, and maybe even Kopi when his contract is up.
No way Dean has 3, 7 million dollar salaries, a couple of 4 or 5 million dollar salaries, and Quicks 4, 5, or even 6 million dollar salary. That’s a possible 36 million just for 6 guys.
Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@Dominick, I just don’t see the Kings paying Quick 7+ million when we have the problems offensively that we are having. With the fact that Bernier is just as capable of leading us to the Stanley Cup as Quick is, I don’t see us paying Quick knowing that we will have to pay Kopitar (although he isn’t a UFA until 2017.) The fact remains with Doughty getting 7 million, Kopitar getting that much or close to it and then seeing what they come up with in terms of free agents to solve our offensive power outage. I just don’t see paying a goalie higher then 5 million is in the cards. That is why I think Bernier is going to be the choice, as Quick has priced himself out of the Kings Market unless he takes a hometown discount. The only problem with that is how loyal is he and is he prepared to play for a team that doesn’t score that much, regardless of his cap hit?
Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
@Jeff_R,
I don’t question his loyalty at all. He’s making next to nothing right now, and playing like a god. The team hasn’t been scoring since he got here, and he loves LA. I think DL will keep it fair, but I wonder how we can keep him, myself. Everybody is screamin for Parise, but no one see’s ahead of time that, that will ultimately price Quick out. Even IF he took a less then fair price to try and stay, we still wouldn’t be able to afford him later. Sad. I want Quick to retire a King like Brodeur is doing with New Jersey.
kings king Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
@stilts19, Zatkoff was also named to an All Star game recently if I remember correctly.
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3Bcrown Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
@kings king, Jason labarbara was ahl goalie of the year one year. Do you think he’s the solution?
I think everybody places too much emphasis on resting Quick. Brodeur’s averaged 70 plus games his entire career and somehow has managed to play 20 years at the highest level. Off topic but did anyone see DB placed six in NHL players poll of hardest hitters. Ovie was 10th by the way.
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KC23 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, I agree. I think Quick’s problem two years ago was more about the long Olympic break than playing too many games.
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JD Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:27 pm
@KC23, maybe we’ll find out this year, he still has never won a playoff series. but
i think theres a good chance he’ll be watching the playoffs on tv with the rest of the team
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
@JD, Certainly wasn’t his fault. I guess you need to sasy that about the 22 guys that are on this team also. Maybe we could get a bag of pucks for them. Maybe being the key word.
KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:16 am
@JD, Kings could possibly miss the playoffs, but just as likely as miss the playoffs is being first in the pacific. Neither likely, but possible. We’ll likley end up in the 6 -8 spot in the conference.
PP Anybody? Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@KC23, It may also had something to do with the newborn baby crying at night during the playoffs. Couldn’t have helped too much.
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Davey Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, And having his first child
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DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, speaking of Brodeur, if Bernier is traded this year (assuming a deal in principle is reached with Quick since official deals can’t happen yet) NJ would be the likely destination… Maybe there’s a huge deadline deal in the making for a certain soon to be free agent or maybe a certain Russian we failed to sign.
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
@DEH, You really think Jersey is going to be able to trade Kovy with his contract? Dean never wanted him but did what he did, most likely because the higher brass wanted a name. He knew though once Kovy signed that deal with New Jersey, they will be hard pressed to pay Parise too. That is where Dean will swooped in, knowing that we get the better player for less (Parise).
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DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@Jeff_R, IDK both the better player and for less part are debatable. Kovy had by all accounts a bad year last year and still scored more than 30 goals, then again everyone on the Devils had a bad year last year. Right now Kovy has 19 goals to Parise’s 15, and 40 points to Parise’s 39. Statistically Kovy’s a little bit better. Age can’t be argued, one year isn’t enough of a gap to make that argument. And rumor has it that Parise might demand over a 7 mil cap hit, Kovy is around 6.67 mil. The facts show Parise is neither better nor less expensive. You are right about one thing, Kovy’s not going to be traded unless it’s a kings ransom and it’s a place were Kovy wants to go (LA might fit the second category). Moreover I think if given the choice the Devils would take Kovy over Parise if forced to choose for the reasons stated earlier.
Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
@DEH, One of the big differences between Kovy and Parise is one is more of a team player then the other. I doubt that Parise is going to come in with a number and stick to it like Kovy did. Kovy doesn’t care about the Devils, as long as he got his 100 million. I believe that Parise will look at all his options, look at each team that he is looking to sign with and see the makeup and price himself accordingly. I believe that Parise will be making over 7 million a year, now whether his cap hit is 7+ is another story.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:24 pm
@DEH, After playing the Kings like fools, do you really think they would sign him??
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DEH Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 6:59 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, DL signed Penner.. just saying.
40YearKingsFan Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:42 am
@DEH, That’s a really good point about NJ. Broduer is leaning toward playing another season but I don’t know if there is an heir apparent in NJ. Might be a really nice fit for Bernier playing a year behind, and then taking over for perhaps the best goalie of his time. And they do have something we want,,,, right? The money would get tricky, but anything is possible.
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Christian T Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, Quick was a lot less mature that first playoff year. If he plays that many games and fails it won’t be because of fatigue. Plus Sutter just told us how it’s going to be and he says what he means so far.
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with the all star break coming up they’re going to ride Quick as much as possible. I’d wouldn’t be surprised if Bernier gets the start against the jackets, giving Quick an extra day of rest to compensate for playing in the all star game, and have Quick play against the blues the Bernier again against the Canes. I don’t think Bernier is going anywhere until Quick has a new contract. For all we know he might pull a doughty and demand around 7.5 mil a year and we find that we can’t afford him then Bernier might seem like an attractive alternative especially since he’s a restricted free agent, so we can play that game. If Quick signs then we trade the rights to Bernier, if Quick asks for too much I feel confident enough in rolling with Bernier instead, Quick is more athletic and can make amazing saves but Bernier is the better technical goalie and given the playing time who knows.
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
@DEH, The difference between Doughty and Quick is Quick will be getting paid what he deserves based on play, where as Doughty is getting paid based on potential.
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DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
@Jeff_R, who’s to say Quick doesn’t have an average year next year, the contract year, gets a huge contract after holding out then plays like crap the first quarter of the next season…then he would be in the same category as Doughty.. they kid was a Norris Trophy finalist two years ago, then had an above average year for a defenseman, though not Norris Trophy like. You are still paying for potential with Quick and we all know merit can’t be judged on this blog until a year or two after the deal. I mean if you asked someone if Doughty deserves the contract he got in the middle of his Norris Trophy bid, not knowing he would suffer a concussion the following year and have a less productive season, most people would have said yes. “What he deserves” is a wishy washy term on this site with players, low and behold they go on a slump then they deserve nothing.
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PP Anybody? Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
@DEH, Well, Quick actually seems to have improved for three years in a row now. Can’t say the same about Doughty when he signed his contract.
BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
@DEH, Exactly, Rinne is good but not spectacular this year. Bryz is garbage. Think many teams have the philosophy that goalies are sort of replaceable and believe the team is better spending the 6-7 million on a forward then a goalie. I don’t see the Kings paying Quick a long term high dollar contract when they have 3 other goalies they could play over the next 10 years.
If they were smart, they would just rip up his last year of his contract and sign him to a four year 20 million contract in the off season.
Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
@DEH, The difference is Doughty was an RFA and Quick will be an UFA. This is Quick’s 3rd year of very good play and has gotten better each year. As for Doughty it is known that it is the hardest position of all to play and it takes most defenseman years to become top players. Doughty wasn’t the norm as he came in and played real well his first 2 years. However now he is basically on the course that most defenseman take before becoming top Norris trophy type defenseman.
DEH Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:08 am
@DBringbackButchGoring, Point exactly, if DL resigns Quick this off season expect Bernier to be traded for scorers in a major deal with JJ if JJ is still here after the trade deadline. A JJ + Bernier trade package should land a high quality scorer or two. If indication are that Quick might demand the 7 mil range, it wouldn’t surprise me if DL trades Quick for a kings ransom and rides Bernier. I mean Quick is a very good goalie, but contrary to popular belief, given certain scenarios Bernier might be the better long term option.
HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:27 pm
@DEH, I think you’ll see the best goaltender in the NHL get around 9Mil. And I’m not talking Thomas, Lundqvist or any of the other 27.
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DEH Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:09 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, and if that’s true then I see the best goalie in the NHL not playing for the kings… just saying
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Being a goalie takes a lot of mental focus. With that said, does anyone think that the all-star game might throw quick off a little bit? Maybe it will take him a week or so to get back into rhythm. I just want to hear other peoples thoughts on this
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
@FRO, Do you think they’ll even play him? Since he’s from the west coast and you know hockey only exists in Canada and the Eastern U.S.
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Ashykon Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:58 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, Each goalie plays a period I think
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 1:39 am
@Ashykon, Yes I believe each squad has 3 goalies and each one plays a period.
IF we could, I would like to see us lock them boh in. I know that would be a real pain cap wise and we also have two good goalies in the pipes too, Zatkoff and Jones.
I hate to shiift focus on a JB focused topic, but we have to lock in Quick for a long time. From there it is a matter of what JB wants, is he content being a backup? What will he cost etc.
Personally I would like to see him play 25 games a year (not counting playoffs)But I am no coach.
I also believe we need a strong backup like JB. We have what most teams cannot, a great set of goaltenders and some awesome D. I would hate to see any major changes.
It really is going to boil down to what JB wants for his career.Its hard to be in the shadow of Quick I imagine. Lets see how it all plays out.
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terry crisps tie Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
@Mars, Please don’t use the initials “JB”. JB is Justin Bieber!
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
@Mars, We are only getting one. Bernier is 23 years old and deserves a chance to see if he can become the #1 goaltender everyone envisioned when he was drafted. Whether it is with the Kings or not remains to be seen. No way will Bernier stick to being a back-up no matter how much he is being paid.
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
@Mars, Bernier doesn’t have the temperment to be a long time back up.
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 1:38 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, It doesn’t matter about his temperament. He has too much skill and talent and the longer he stays a backup, it is a waste of that talent and skill. Bernier is being quiet now and being a good soldier, because he knows this decision is going to be made this offseason or next. Just a matter of time. He also probably figures that Quicker might cost to much for the Kings to re-sign. Either way Bernier will get his chance, just needs to be patient and play well when called on.
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I think its important to keep Quick on his game as we get deeper into the season. He’s an athletic goalie which means small lapses either physically or mentally will have more of an effect on his overall game. Plus all it would take is one crash of the net with him in a vulnerable position, and we are looking at Bernier closing out the season. The thing that makes Bernier effective, even as a backup is he relies heavily on positioning and puck control rather than making a highlight reel save. It may take him a period or two to track the speed of a game better (the one thing you can’t practice), but he is stable and very well trained.
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Quick will want at least what Pekka Rinne got, and who’s to say they’re not comparable (or that Quick isn’t better). I doubt if JB is moved until the Quick situation sorts itself out or DL is bowled over with a deal to bring in a guy like Nash. Kings are in a tough spot tradewise. Little cap space, poor players with big cap numbers no one will want or give us much for. No 2nd or 3rd rd pick, which makes trading your 1st rd pick tougher. Forward prospects underperforming and a great backup goalie they can’t really deal until they know what’s going on with their all-star starter. Tough spot.
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Quick’s pattern has been to fade in the second half every season. Right now, he’s playing out of his mind, however last night, I did sense a chink in his armor with the Iginla goal, and hate to say it, but in the shootout, I thought he looked tired. I’ve always said, and steadfastly stand by this statement, JQ is great, but I honestly believe JB is greater. His demeanor and style are incredible. When JB gets in the flow, you can totally tell the team feeds off that better than when JQ is in goal. JB makes the rest of the team better when he’s on top of his game. We only have limited games at this point to support my statement, but think back to the second half of last season. JB saved the Kings season with his play. I know these comments are going to spark a lot of you thinking I’m nuts. Let me tell you I’m not. Quick has not yet proven he is a second half and playoff toughened and tested goalie. Don’t be surprised if JB is playing a lot after the All Star break. Don’t be surprised if JB is #1 by the playoffs.
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OnTheFly Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
@Poorman,
Paging Puck73
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puck73 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
@Poorman, Not going to happen unless Quick gets injured. Remember, Quick needed to work on 2 things in the offseason, his stickhandling, and his letting in soft goals. Clearly he has improved on both of those things by at least 75% IMO. As for your “chink in the armor”? Iginla’s shot was a goal scorers goal, and he only gave up one goal last night, that should have been more then enough to win. The Kings dont have a bonified finisher like Selanne or Iginla on their team, and without Gagne and Parse on wing, that weakens them even more at that position.
I have told you before in conversations that Quick has the mental makeup to win multiple cups if surrounded by enough talent up front, and I will not back off that statement.
Anyway, keep the faith in Quick, and Bernier should be fine as well.
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
@puck73, Dude, I hope I’m wrong, but as you know, I really think this is a distinct possibility. And I realize I’m saying this with nothing to back me up at this point. Just a gut feeling.
[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
@Poorman,
That was one season–the one when he had the child and went to the olympics. Don’t be surprised if you’re entirely wrong.
[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
@Poorman, You are certainly entitled to your opinion. I think you are pretty alone on this one however. The entire NHL world, along with all relavent stats, would disagree with you.
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DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@Poorman, Though it’s true that JB has been the better goalie towards the end of the year, as it stands now JQ would need to have a horrible slump for JB to takeover as starter… then again with Sutter, who knows? He might see something down the road and switch hands, whatever happens I’m confident Sutter will make the right choice. Right now as Sutter said, you can afford to ride Quick, you want to go into the all star break in good position and you have am 8 day break.
[Reply]
YoBro Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:57 pm
@Poorman, Fear not, Poorman, I too am in your corner on this one. JQ has had a great season ,so far, and I can appreciate that.
However, when the chips are down,and with this as HIS team, he has folded down the stretch and in the playoffs for the last 2 campaigns. Oh, it was the Olympics, the baby, etc,etc.
Professionals don’t make excuses, they make statements. They produce. And if JQ can’t prove worthy this year, I say give Bernier the reins. He has shown, last yr,when he gets consistent work, HE produces. You could say his record down the stretch last year is what GOT US in the playoffs.
I would hate to see the kid go elsewhere and prove his worth instead of in an LA Kings uni! And only because he was never given the opportunity.
Go Kings
[Reply]
Resedakingsfan Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
@Poorman, I too am one of the few that’s with you on this. I think JQ is an awesome goalie, deserves to be an all-star, and is having his best season by far. However, in the past, he’s faded a bit in the second half of the season while JB is usually really strong in the second half. I don’t know that JB will be starting by the playoffs, but I know he’s gonna be solid every chance he gets to play.
[Reply]
Scott3343 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:30 am
@Poorman, You are crazy. JQ has proven to be the number 1 goalie and still doesn’t get what he deserves…JQ has carried this team last season and again the first half of this season. Do any of u think JB would have held us in it this season the way JQ has? I do agree JB is going to be a number 1 goalie somewhere, he has the skills, but can anyone show me one game JB has played and shown the passion JQ has for the game? JQ is the best player on the team and most consistent, he deserves the pay and respect he has worked for. Bottom line…if JB was the better goalie he would be in there and he isn’t, so he’s not. Most likely we will trade Quick and keep Bernie, that’s the dumb moves the Kings have done since day one…
One day both goalies will be on different teams and mark my word the one with Quick will be better off.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:34 am
@Poorman, Are you as certain of this as you were about the hiring of Sutter was going to be a disaster?
This whole thread is so full of uneducated conjecture and pure opinion.
The fact is if we did not have Quick in goal this year we would be behind the Ducks in the standings right now.
[Reply]
Poorman Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:16 am
@King Cobra, Again, Quick has always been steller in the 1st half of the season, but has consistently faded in the second half and playoffs. Hopefully, that changes this season. Bernier was better in the second half l a year ago, but TM wouldn’t play him. I was definitely wrong about Sutter. Sutter is great, but Quick needs to prove he can do it in the second half. Hasn’t yet.
[Reply]
LGK Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:30 am
@Poorman, I think you’re right when job is in goal kings are scoring more too. I think they should play him more.
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LGK Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:30 am
@LGK, JB
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LGK Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:36 am
@Poorman, Do you remember 2 seasons ago we scored 8 goals to Vancovers 1 guess who was in goal? Bernier. I was surprised when we lost to van in playoffs when Quick was in goal and Bernier was never given a chance.
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If they’re thinking of packaging JB up, better get him in way more games. We still don’t know his true potential. Kinda hard to since we’re thinking Cup.
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There are some critical back to backs in the next two months. Could be, as a new head coach, he just wanted to take Quick for a test drive.
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Quick. Please stay. We really need you. All the best- Some Kings fan
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At this point, the offense is till the glaring weakness with the Kings. Few teams have TWo starters, particularly when your number one is 25 years old. I love JB, but realistically, I believe he can be traded for a top line scorer that can help elevate this team into contenders. JQ should be able to handle 70 games a year and with the top notch prospects we have in the minors, I believe a trade would be best for the Kings.
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:15 pm
@plywood, Will the Kings be able to afford Quick at 7+ million when they have problems in other areas?
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
@Jeff_R, They’re going to have too or there’ll be a bigger rio there then the one in Montreal when Richard was suspended for the Stanley Cup finals.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 1:34 am
@HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration, I sincerely doubt there would be a riot here if Quick is traded or signs elsewhere. Going with Bernier is great. As far as I am concerned they are equal and Quick is only ahead because he got here first. I still don’t believe that if DL is still the GM that he would pay Quick 7+ million when he has Bernier at a younger age and cheaper for a longer period. If the Kings were much better offensively and didn’t have problems in that area it might be different.
I have been a supporter of DS since he arrived, but overpaying Quick is a head scratcher, especially since we have already seen the affects of an overplayed Quick a few years ago. I say we give Bernier more starts for two reasons, it helps Quick stay fresh for the playoffs and it also helps showcase Bernier for future trade and allows us to get a sniper for thw wing. In saying that I don’t think it would be wise to trade Bernier this year, the best time would be in the summer after we sign Quick to a contract extension, then use Bernier to land a sniper if we can’t pick up one via ufa.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
@Canadian King, So if I don’t workout today, I’m fresher in April? That’s the kind of nonsense that Sutter will put a rest to. I just don’t buy the argument that Quick can’t play 60 plus games a season at age 24 or whatever.
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bbb7 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:29 pm
@BringbackButchGoring, 60+ is fine but if Sutter sticks to his ‘playing the #1 guy 95% of the time’ it will end up more like 70… and I think that’s too many.
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Quick has been playing well even exceptional,but I think Bernier in time prove to be even better than LA’s Numero uno ‘tender. The Kings are in a very good position having not two but perhaps 5 ‘tenders that can play at the NHL level. If the Kings do indeed peddle Bernier I expect a Kings ransom(top five pick in 2012 draft at the very least or a top 6 forward at the most.And if JB does get traded does the no.2 fall to Zatkoff with Jones waiting in the wings and Gibson and Berube moving on up.Time will tell I’m thinking Maybe Bernier gets traded to Washington in a blockbuster deal that lands the Kings Ovechkin…
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HockeyOnlyAwaitingModeration Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:39 pm
@andy, A “Top Five” for a #1, I’d be looking hard for a 1 or 2 for him? What other team has a backup that good?
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If this was already posted, apologies. Just saw that Poni got traded to Jersey.
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
@Steve W, Maybe that means they are ready to trade Parise
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Thank you Tampa.
Dallas loses at home in regulation against Tampa.
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
@KC23, Purcell 2 Stars 1.
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bbb7 Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
@KC23, Makes the game tomorrow all the bigger – the boys have a chance to put some real distance between themselves and the teams battling for the 8th spot.
GKG!
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Jeff_R Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@bbb7, Mondays game also, especially with us having 8 days off afterwards. The more distance to those below us and the closer we are to San Jose or past them the better. Ouch I just saw that San Jose has 10 road games in February with 9 being in a row. There next 3 games are in Canada, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary. Maybe we can go in to the All Star break ahead of San Jose.
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Trade him for a sniping closer.
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Kingsfanone Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:13 pm
@crashin’da net,
Looking forward to meeting you Saturday!
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It hurts but Coach Sutter is doing what it takes to win with regards to the goal tending. Quick has not had a bad game since I can remember. 15-20 games ago? Sutter is unwilling to risk losing to keep a guy sharp or rest someone who may not need it BUT at the same time he wants more than anything to send the message that exceptional play gets rewarded.
The thing that huts is watching Bernier waste away on the bench. If we trade him we aren’t going to get much because he’s not proven. So Bernier is going to have to bite the bullet and sit. Quick can’t keep his pace up forever without a hitch. Then it will be Bernier’s turn to lock Quick on the bench.
Notice Martinez never got his job back after injury. He played a game or two an back to the practice squad. No mixed message by the coach. Simple for the players to feed off.
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DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
@LA_1968, in regards to Martinez and scorers (not exactly to you with this one).. Rumor has it that if a defenseman were to get traded at the deadline it would be JJ. Bare in mind Sutter like Lefty/righty pairing, so if JJ get traded in comes Martinez since both are left handed.. no problem. We need a scorer and unfortunately scorers cost more than 2 mil on the cap, which is what we would have to work with if Bernier was the main player traded. That being said I would have to say Bernier doesn’t get traded until Quick is signed, and if a deal is made for a scorer bye bye JJ. For deadline trades, if any, I would expect a offense for defense kinda deal with JJ being the main piece going out.
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BringbackButchGoring Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
@DEH, I think you believe JJ has more of a market value than he has. IMO he is certainly a 5/6 defenseman on this team and can’t see him being more than a 3-4 on any other team. His career defensive numbers are atrocious. We certainly did not get a home team discount at 4 million plus a year that many think we did.
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 1:28 am
@BringbackButchGoring, I totally disagree with you. I think that Jack could bring a lot in trade and his deal is a sweetheart deal. When you look at what other players who are leeser then Jack getting paid the same or more, yes it is a sweetheart deal. I will say that Jack wasn’t the greatest defensive player but he has gotten loads better the last few years and is still growing. Really the only stat that you can bring out saying that Jack is bad defensively is the plus/minus. That is really the most useless stat in hockey. I mean you can just step on the ice and the other team scores you get a minus. Or you just came out of the box at the end of a PP and then that team scores and you get a minus. Yes I know the opposite is true with Plus, but still it is a useless stat and should not be the end all be all in defensive prowess. Jack’s plus/minus could also be better as would the rest of the teams if they scored more. This year he is a Minus 7 which shows he is getting better.
LA_1968 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:46 am
@DEH,
JJ makes sense if DL wants to go for a younger winger who has some proven track record with a contract that has 4+ years left. That length would give Kopi and Richards something to work with for a while.
A more traditional tradeline deal could be more proven, mature players such as Scudari (2 years left at 3.4M) or Mitchel (last year 3.5m). Also, Stoll is a center playing wing (last year 3.6m).
Eventually we’re going to need an anchor long term wing to come in to parallel the talent and age of Kopi, Richards, DD, JJ and Quick. There’s really nothing coming up from Manchester. It could happen in free agency at which we’re not too strong but we’ll have some good money with Penner and Stoll’s salary dropping off this year (7.85m).
[Reply]
Jeff_R Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 1:17 am
@LA_1968, Why trade JJ when he loves it here, wants to be a King, has the Kings tattooed to his butt and took a sweetheart deal to stay. That is not someone whom you trade away especially when they are hitting there prime and getting better every year.
Hmm.. Who would we trade Bernier for? I mean if it’s a blockbuster yeah I get it, but he’s signed through 2013 which should give Tyler Toffoli and Brandon Kozun a good crack at the roster. From there I really only see the kings needing a couple of free agents. (i.e. Trent Hunter; looking to be a solid pick up.) This team is pretty home grown, Kopitar, Brown, Quick, Bernier, Doughty… I don’t see management wanting to change that too much.
[Reply]
DEH Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
@kings king, if we trade Bernier we would still only have about 3 mil in cap space to work with, unfortunately scorers cost more than that so at this moment trading him does not make much sense.
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We should trade him for the scoring machine teddy Purcell who scored twice tonight.
I’m kidding but it’s still depressing
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Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@Carol Vadnais, LOL! Weren’t you one of those, who wanted to ship Purcell off a few years back, because he was worthless, and the Kings needed real scorers or they wouldn’t make the playoffs?
Just messin with ya, and it is depressing.
[Reply]
Harty Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:44 am
@Dominick, hes only scoring because of the cast around him……..
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:06 am
@Harty, He’s only scoring because the summer after his trade the coach worked on him concentrating on using his speed to get open for shots, not be responsible defensively. They specifically worked on relearning how to be an offensive player, and not a 2 way player to harness HIS specific game, not match HIS talent to the teams game like LA did.
USHA#17 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:48 am
@Carol Vadnais,
A frightening thought is that DL is biding time waiting for the fog to clear on Parise…which could be a repeat of the Kovalchuk saga, meaning that we could end up missing out on a small but nice pickup.
As for a major trade, unless we gain a signed Parise, doing nothing major this season would be a good thing. Can anyone watching even tell up what type of team we have this year?
Wait for the off season Penner, Stoll, Gagne and One Defenseman to be determined exodus, first.
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Jonathan Quick has EARNED every dime he is going to get from the LA Kings. I hope nobody in the organization takes the cheap route and tries to discount him.
It is insulting for the media or anyone else to say Quick could “Pull A Doughty”. Doughty got his $7.0 million because he sold his potential. Not his performance. It is still to be seen whether DD earns his keep.
Quick will be selling his PERFORMANCE. He should be the highest paid player in the team. He is keeping this team in playoff contention all by his lonesome.
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YoBro Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@Gustavo, Don’t forget the players in front of him. Quick doesn’t, nor should you.
Go Kings
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Gustavo Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
@YoBro,
Quick has bailed out the men in front of him a heck of a lot more times than the other way around.
And yes, JQ gives all the credit to the D, which shows even more valuable character traits on top of his playing skills. But let’s not to rob JQ of what he has earned. Being the only Kings player chosen to the ASG speaks for itself.
He is the best player in the team. And he deserves to be paid accordingly.
[Reply]
King Cobra Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:43 am
@Gustavo, I 100% agree. It is funny to read all the genius flip talk on this thread about how we can’t overpay Quick and Bernie is better. Wake up!!
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:51 am
@Gustavo, Good points. yobro does have a valid points about the playoffs. Quick hasn’t proven himself in the playoffs despite winning two games from SJ pretty much on his own. He also lost us the most important game in that series which was a huge mark against him. He also lost the most important game of the Vancouver seriers the year before.
Don’t know if I’m sold on Quick being a 7 mil dollar goalie without proving himself in the playoffs.
Where I part ways with YoBro is his suggesting that Bernier somehow deserves … well anything other than back up goalie playing time. Perhaps 20-22 games.
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Can trades be made during the All-Star break? If yes, JB might be starting for another team by Jan 30th. That was my prediction before Christmas and I still think it is possible. I understand all the postulating about next year and contract negotiating but DL is the mastermind of the 5 year plan and he knows this is year 5. Or, there will be another plan that will not include him.
GKG!
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Dominick Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
@QuicksDaMan, Trade freeze in effect during the break.
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:53 am
@Dominick, Thanks, was wondering about that. Not that I think DL would having anything anyway. DL isn’t the greatest when it comes to trades imho.
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Personally, I like this Kings team. I cant think of anyone I would trade away. I think there are two players that are not living up to their potential, that being Penner and Doughty. However, as of late, both of them have picked up their game a few notches. We have two solid goaltenders, a solid back line, and some firepower up front. Yes, I know we are not scoring, but this team can score. The entire team plays hard. When the scoring comes, this team will be hard to beat.
My vote is to stand pat and let this team rediscover their scoring touch. If, and when, Gagne returns, who do you sit. Its a tough decision because everyone plays hard. Same with the D. Martinez is sitting because everyone else is playing so well. I’ve been a Kings fan for 40 years. Believe me, this is a good team we got.
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Deadendcruiser Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
@UglyinLA, I agree, this is one of the best teams we’ve had in many, many years. This whole goalie situation is new to us. When was the last time we had 2 fantastic net minders??? Regardless who stays and who goes I think we will be fine. IMO Quick is the man (I would sell one of my kids to keep him). I don’t think either goalie is going anywhere this year.
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FrankinVA Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 5:39 am
@UglyinLA,
Same goes for Whiskey, sitting for the same reason Martinez. But as long as the Kings keep winning..!
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yetiman_oc Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:20 am
@FrankinVA, the kings have lost as many games as they have won recently.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:08 am
@yetiman_oc, Not with the way the nhl records wins and losses. If they were losses they would be in the 2nd column not the third. They have only LOST one game in the last 14.
yetiman_oc Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:35 am
@fsd1, OT LOSS = LOSS. Kings go home without a WIN which is what is needed in the playoffs when it really matters. None of this point for losing silliness.
Kings can not score so therefore can not WIN.
KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:55 am
@UglyinLA, I’ll take Penner and Doughty’s play over Stoll any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
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rick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 11:42 am
@UglyinLA, So you’re saying you’re happy with Stoll, Lewis Loktionov, Richardson, Clifford, Fraser and Hunter – who have a combined 14 goals and 27 assists between the SEVEN of them???? Sorry, but when you have seven guys (including one playing on your second line) whose combined production is that pathetic, it is hard for me to see how you can see no reason for changes. If we throw in Mr. Pancakes, you get all the way to 17 goals spread among 8 of your forwards. When 8 or your 12 forwards are on a combined pace to score less than 4 goals each over an entire season, you got problems, particularly when your other 4 forwards – all good players – are not elite scorers themselves. I have to laugh when people on this blog say that we are fine. Look at the numbers….
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UglyinLA Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@rick,
I emphatize with your frustration regarding the lack of scoring. However, I dont agree with your premise that we have a pathetic group of forwards who need to be changed out. You assume that the pathetic eight will continue to produce at their current pace and thats where we disagree. I think the scoring will come.
Amazingly, some poeple think a proven goal scorer is readily available. First of all, our cap space is less than $1M. Our only option is to trade one of our stars to unload salary and we would also have to throw in some potential. So seriously, what price do we pay because the going price is our future.
Thats why I say stand pat. If we dont win it all this year, we have a great opportunity to get right guys because Penner and Stoll come off contract.
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Funny Rich posted this… I was just thinking about the trade deadline and if the Kings would make any moves and what they might be. Quick is clearly # 1, hands down, best player on the team this season. Bernier is very expendable at the moment and from what I hear about our AHLers are pretty darn good this year. I find it funny that Sutter said (how to spread time between the two goalies after the All-Star break) and now this post. Lets give Quick a good rest before a huge push for playoffs and show what Bernier can do… besides we need scorers right?
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Bernier has got to be excited right now. Next couple of seasons, he is garenteed a franchise spot, and a real shot at finally being a #1. If the Kings do reisgn Quick to a comfortable deal, he will be the corner stone peice in trade to a franchise desperate for goaltending, and he will have his own team. If the Kings don’t resign Quick, he becomes the Kings next franchise goalie, and the team is his.
Either way, Bernier wins.
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Gustavo Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
@Dominick,
Agreed. Both JB & JQ have a bright future ahead of them. I hope JQ stays with the Kings.
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:56 am
@Dominick, Not with his stats he doesn’t.
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The only thing Bernier does better than Quick is handle the puck.
Quick is a stud, at this point he has proven himself and that should be end of discussion.
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all this being said… Bernier is real good, real cheap and imagine who we could get for quick?
i would take a malkin or stamkos or someone those skill for quick anyday.. sorry but it would make the kings way more exciting and i think bernier can do it.. if not zatkoff or jones can.. so really one of the 3 will at least be awesome
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I think DL learned a lesson in SJ from the Nabakov/ Kiprusoff situation, and teams winning with low paid goalies. Quick is lights out, we have Bernier and Zatkoff. He then signs Martin Jones, and drafts J.F. Berube. With Having two #1′s up here playing as well as they have, and the AHLers plaing well and showing promise as well as Berube showing promise….and in dire need of wingers, DL drafts a goalie, Gibson in this past draft. Deano isn’t going to come close to paying Quick what Quick may think he’s worth.
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JD Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:23 am
@Mik3ysfv, agreed
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I think he has a price in mind for any goalie, if that goalie whomever it may be, will be gone and will move on to the next.
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Mik3ysfv Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:55 pm
@Mik3ysfv, add and wants more than Deans $ figure
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Hands down, Bernier is a better goalie than Quick! Quick is good, but gives up to many rebounds. Bernier is more composed, better at catching the puck and can handle the puck better away from the net. It would be a mistake to trade Bernier.
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The Batman Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:57 am
@Roxo, hot damn, we need to write a letter to nhl.com and let them know they are looking at the wrong goalie in the talks for the vezina this year
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:14 am
@Roxo, Bernier hasn’t proven he’s better, only that he has the potential to be really good if he can play a heavier workload. Quick has proven that with that workload, he can be tops in the NHL, and carry a team who can’t score.
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:00 am
@Roxo, The only thing Bernier has proven this year is a 3 – 4 record, a save percentage under .900 and a GAA closer to 3 than 2.
How people come to the conclusion that he is better than Quick is beyond me.
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LOL I JUST SAW THIS ON TSN. SOMETIMES IM GREATFUL THAT OUR FANS ARE THIS SANE WHEN I LOOK AT THAY WEBSITE. I’m a kings fan and I’m proud!::
Markhughes15
8 hours ago
Toronto trade Luke Schenn for Dustin Brown?
LOLOLOLOLOL
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:20 am
@Ashykon, I’ve seen our fans put up just as silly Praise trade ideas. My favorite silly King fan posts include Bernier as if he has accomplished anything in the NHL. There are still those that think Bernier is better than Quick despite the lack of a single speck of evidence and national media talk of Quick being in the running for the Vezina trophy. Cracks me up.
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YoBro Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 7:47 am
@KC23, What cracks ME up, is silly Kings fans who believe Quick is the 2nd coming. Because he is playing better than our last 20 or so goalies is great, but he has accomplished nothing. Squeaked into the playoffs the last 2 yrs, and didn’t do squat when he got there. I’m NOT saying Bernier is better, but how on earth will we ever know if he just languishes on the bench?
Go Kings
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Mik3ysfv Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:06 am
@YoBro, Alot of those playoff losses vs SJ were due to spectacular defensive coverages. Vs Vancouver, Luongo was awful and so was Quick. They were both sub .900 sv%. As for Bernier, like most goalies, he gets better with more PT. He dominated the AHL and that year had that 3, game call up and was spectacular, giving us a shutout and beat Preds in Nashville (who we had so much trouble with) and beat Vancouver his last game. I forget who else played. But like
Mik3ysfv Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:11 am
@YoBro, meant spectacular defensive lapses and backchecking. But like I said earler, DL is racking up goalies. I think he has a certain price in mind which he will pay to any goalie, take it or leave it. System’s full
KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 8:49 am
@YoBro,
Bernier 18 – 15 record, .908 save percentage and 2.60 GAA.
Quick 116 -77 record, .916 save percentage and 2.35 GAA.
This year:
Bernier 3 – 4 record, .895 save percentage and 2.73 GAA
Quick 20 – 11 record, .934 save percentage and 1.93 GAA
So rather than Bernier “languishing on the bench” what are you suggesting? That we play a goalie more who has proven to be clearly inferior in every category that means anything, in a season where every point in the standings could mean making Vs missing the playoffs. And we do this because a few fans have a warm and fussy feeling that Bernier “might” be better than one of the best goalies in the NHL this year?
I wouldn’t have much respect for any coach who made that kind of decission and I doubt many other King fans and especially team mates of Quick would either.
YoBro Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:28 am
@YoBro, So, what you seem to be saying is you’re satisfied with good regular season stats? That doesn’t win a Stanley Cup. You’re comparing Quick’s regular season #s with Bernier’s. By your own stats JB has played 33 games to Quicks 193. Don’t see how such a small sampling could indicate a player’s ability or potential when he plays once or twice A MONTH. How’s about you pull up Quick post-season #’s for us? That’s what I’d be interested to know. What I also said earlier, is Quick gets anther chance to prove he’s capable in the playoffs, or give the other guy a shot.
I’m not comfortable putting all our eggs in Quick’s basket if he can’t get it done in the playoffs. Our goal is the Cup, not the Vezina or Preident’s.(See Roberto Luongo)
Go Kings
YoBro Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:23 am
@YoBro, Quick’s NHL post-season
4-8, .898 Sv%, 3.33 GAA
Go Kings
Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:35 am
@YoBro, What’s Berniers NHL post season-stats look like?
YoBro Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@YoBro, Duhhhhh. Are you being facetious?
Go Kings
Having an extra car in the garage, while it is insurance, will not necessarily get us to the cup. Get a scoring winger by trading Bernier and some prospects. Seriously, unless we get more scoring help, expect more low scoring, OT, shoot out nail biters. I only have sooo many nails on my paws!!!! lol GO KINGS GO!!!
See you at tonights game boys!!!
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Sutter loves to “over”play his number 1 goalie…Kipprasoff always played 70+ in Calgary…remember Nabokov’s epic flame out in playoffs every year in SJ. I don’t know if Sutter coached there then, but my point is, most NHL tenders suffer in the playoffs when overworked, on team’s arguably WAY stronger than this LA team. If Bernier doesn’t play more second half, and Kings end up in their usual 6-7-8 spot, hello another first round exit.
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fsd1 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:11 am
@Blade17, really, does Tim Thomas ring a bell at all?????
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:22 am
@Blade17, Plenty of goalies who have won cups that started 25 games in a row in the playoffs. Those same seasons, they also started 60+ games. None of Quicks’ “burn out” issues are even an issue this season, and Sutter will make adjustments if he see’s Quick tire (unlike Murray who wrote out a schedule months ahead of time, and refused to stray from it regardless of any signs his goalie was tired).
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:24 am
@Blade17, Gonna have to eat a little crow.
I went to do some research about Stanly Cup winning goalies since 2006. I thought most of them would have 65 – 70 games played in the season. To my surprise the highest number of games played was 62 and most the others well below that (few under 50).
Gonna have to reverse my position as recent history suggests that winning goalies in the Stanly cup do usally stay under 60 games in the regular season.
Quick already has 40 starts in 48 games. At this pace he’ll end up 68 or 69 games. Well above what Standly Cup winning goalies have had to see looking back as far as 2006.
There are 34 games left and Bernier should perhaps see over 10 of them. Doubt that will happen and I’m not sure we would make the playoffs if it did happen, but it does make for some interesting debate.
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:33 am
@KC23, Went a little further back in Standly Cup playoff history. All the winning goalies from 2000 – 2004 had well over 60 games played in the regular season. NJ Devils Brodeur had over 70 regular season games played twice and won the Cup.
Interesting that no winning cup goalie has been over 62 regular season games since the rule changes.
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 9:49 am
@KC23, Injuries have played a part in some of that. Tim Thomas would have started more except for a small injury. He started 57 last season, and 25 in the playoffs.
Bernier future is great…..a NHL goalie and a HOT wife !!!!!
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:02 am
@neil, Sure will be interesting if Quick ever got hurt. Hate to see Quick get hurt, but can’t help but wonder what Bernier would do with some regular work.
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Harty Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:12 am
@KC23, Bernier would be an awesome goalie for sure KC but Quick is our number #1 guy…..so the question is do you roll the dice and bring someone up?
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KC23 Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 11:28 am
@Harty, I don’t think there is that big a market for Bernier. His stats just don’t warrant it.
i think the chances of bernier remaining a king this season are about 90-95%…i leave the door opened a little bit on the event another team is willing to give us a bonafide 30-40 goal scorer this year and that salary swaps can be arranged…but i’m not that confident that will happen…
however, it’s a whole other story after the season is over…if the kings can sign quick to a long-term deal before next season begins, you would have to think that bernier will be traded soon after…his trade value should be at a peak then…
zatkoff and jones are inching closer to be nhl-ready goalies…plus, the kings can always sign/trade for a veteran back-up in lieu of calling up one of these prospects in case they need a little more time…
i like bernier and i think he can be a good one…but the hype surrounding his greatness has mainly gone unproven and is based upon his minor league success…i don’t think the kings will try the boston bruin scenario with these guys because the kings are not nearly as deep in the forward department as the bruins…
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neil Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:39 am
@variable, I know that DL cant talk to Quick’s agent yet but dont you think he’s had “off the record” conversion to see Quick’s mindset about staying??? Next year only 4 forwards are keeepable(is that a word?)After Kopi,Brown,Richards,and Williams are the rst not very replacable???
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variable Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 10:58 am
@neil,
i think the salary cap and upgrade availability will have a lot of influence on who stays and who goes…
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Bernier isn’t supposed to be the #1 or nothing. He is the back up, only because at the moment Quick’s a hell of a goal tender. Bernier has showed that he is a goalie who thrives under a coach that platoons him, and he’s done that at every level so far (except here). It is not in the best interest for the Kings to do that right now, but make no mistake about it, IF we lose Quick for any reason, Bernier is the man.
Berniers numbers aren’t optimal because he isn’t playing the minutes he needs to become optimal. This is the main reason the Kings didn’t trade Quick 2 years ago. Bernier has to learn to play that back up roll, and adjust to having spotted playing time. This is his main weakness, and something he’s never had to do at any point in his career..
The Kings are well aware of what he is capable of if handed 40, or 50 starts a season, but he is inconsistant in short spurts, with limited playing time. This will help him as a #1 someday with the mental toughness of being pulled every once in a while for shotty goaltending, coming back from injuries, and just understanding both rolls (#1, and #2 goalies) at this level.
I still say he’s being groomed, and if he stays, I’ll be happy. If Quick stays instead, I’ll still be happy. Kings win either way.
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variable Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 11:03 am
@Dominick,
bernier still has to make more progress…and to do that, he has to play…
but even if he plays more in the second half than he did in the first, bernier needs to show the kings…and other interested teams…that he can put together consistent performances as a backup…
i agree with you that bernier is still in the grooming process…
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 11:15 am
@variable, This has always been Berniers biggest weakness. If he doesn’t get platooned, it takes him a while to get going. Until he can overcome that, he will never be great. I don’t think the Kings are afraid if Bernier has to start being a #1 over the long haul, but he will have nutorioulsy bad starts till he see’s more action.
I think the Kings are very well aware of this, and aren’t disuaded by the low numbers with spotted play. Quick would probably have simular numbers if he started 10 of 15 games a season.
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 11:19 am
@variable, Sorry! I should clarify “he will have nutorioulsy bad starts till he see’s more action, IF the Kings ever make him a #1″.
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variable Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 11:46 am
@Dominick,
got it…
yeah…he needs to play…and eventually more than just one game at a time…to give everyone a better idea of where he’s at…it just might not be with the kings, especially this season…
Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 12:00 pm
@variable, I kind of worded it wrong maybe. Bernier has had bad starts, and takes a while to get going. Once he’s been platooned his numbers are astounding, but that is after he gets some bad ones out of the way first. By being a back up, he has to handle this problem regardless of playing time, because he isn’t gonna get 5 or 10 games to figure it out. Something he’s never had to do at any level before. Him sitting for long periods of time is probably the best thing for him at this stage, and will teach him that consistancy is more than just a word once he becomes a #1.
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YoBro Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@Dominick, Question… How exactly will he learn consistency playing once every coupla’ weeks? I’m still in Quick’s corner for now, mind you, But if he can’t get it done come Apr., What do we do? Stick with him, or give Bernier somewhat of a chance before we ship him off for ???? Decisions, decisions…
Go Kings
Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@YoBro,
I think your still missing the point. He needs to learn to bring it with limited play.
If he’s injured, do you want to wait 5 to 10 games for him to get his timing back to where it was when he was busy? When the season starts, do you want to wait 10 games before he starts playing well? If he gets tired and sits 4 or 5 games, do you want to wait 7 games for him to bring his “A” game?
No.
..the way US Dollar is getting worthless(a cup of coffee in 7/11 (?!?!) is more than $2!!!)it is too early to discuss those numbers) If this “logical development” will continue and I feel it will..than in 12-18 months we would pay $4 for cup of coffee and $9 average for NHL stars and then ..who knows?..News in economy in the near future are..”no good”..then , who can afford regular tickets ,then NHL woulde start promote Icy hockey in China and Korea …and then after starting sesson in Europe they would play a few more games in far far east ,then..Hey ,lets “think” how this team can win stanley cup for ..Bob Miller ( somebody who deserves more). Some of “us” become smart and those blogs “in dean we trust almost desappared…we are still waithing ,if the time is stiil now ,then we know we need wingers who can score ,because gane is gone …( as expected ..before signing) or how we can program this “kids” play every game like they did in first 20 minutes in vancouver….The buttom line ..First thing first!!!
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This is so overdone. Quick is great. No question. But you all act like he’s Roy or Hasek. Our defensive system makes him look better than he is. Bernier doesn’t give up many goals either and he normally plays the second game of a road back to back. Anyways Quick is and should be our starter but Bernier is an elite goaltender. If quick were to get hurt (god forbid) our season wouldn’t be over. He is very capable of stepping in and playing at a high level, even in the playoffs-which by the way quick has not done. Stop making excuses for him-he has not played well in either playoff series he played in.
Sutter needs to play bernier. Not more than quick but at Least in a normal back up role. Ever since sutter took over bernier has played 2 games in I believe 15. That’s on pace for 12 all season. That’s ridiculous.
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Dominick Reply:
January 21st, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@Tony,
If it was that easy to be a great goalie on a team that plays defensively then 1/2 the league would have goalies with similar numbers to Quick. Martin Brodeur always played on great teams, but still had to do the work. Nobody says he was a crappy goalie on some extremely good defensive teams. He is without a doubt (in my mind anyway) the second best goalie to ever play the game.
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Darryl Sutter is about to find out who our best goaltender is. He stated through his own theory regarding the last half of the season. Very much looking forward to the end result.
If he sticks to the way he plays… we should find out by 3rd week of February. Just watch folks.Dean Lombardi is gonna blow your heads off…
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