Jonathan Bernier earned his first win since March 17, 2012 by turning aside 21 of 22 shots in Monday’s 4-1 win over St. Louis. His rebound control was excellent as he earned third star honors and turned in one of the season’s early standout goaltending performances.
On his performance:
“[For a] first start, it felt pretty good. I’ve been working really hard with Biull Ranford and trying to keep my game at a high level. I’m sure going overseas probably helped me too. I played over 15 games, so that was good for me, I think.”
On his composure:
“I guess that’s my game, probably. Maybe I look not stressed, but sometimes inside, you know?”
On how the Kings’ strong play in front of him:
“Yeah, awesome. You know, I thought last night in Detroit we deserved at least a point, and I was really happy with their performance. They worked really hard and it paid off.”
On getting into a rhythm when shots are infrequent:
“I was just trying to stay focused. I think that’s how it’s been all year. I think last year we were giving up a lot of shots, but from the outside. This year, just on and off. We’ve just got to….find a way to stay sharp and come out with the save that we need to.”
On Alex Steen’s goal”
“It was a good shot. From a faceoff. I really didn’t see it. It seemed like it wasn’t that hard, but it just found its way in the net.”
On the length of time since his last win:
“It is a big relief. I knew I had to come out big – not only for myself, but for the team. For us right now, we’re working really hard, and it just seems like it doesn’t go away and I was really happy that we worked hard and it really showed tonight for two points.”
You did real good…Bernier..
You deserve a pat on the back….
Hopefully you will get more games to shine…
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mask0425x Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 9:36 pm
@SLIM,
You think Quick was paying attention and got the message? He needs to regain the edge he showed last season and watch the confidence grow for everyone. Otherwise, we’ll be watching the fish rotting from the head.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
@mask0425x, Chances are he got the message just fine when he found out who was starting tonight. The team seemed to show THEY got the message, protecting the middle a whole lot better.
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mask0425x Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Hope you are right, although it was a back-to-back situation, so that may have blurred the message a bit. I concur with whoever said that they’d like to see Bernier start the next game as well to make sure that there is ambiguity as far as Quick is concerned.
mask0425x Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
*** there is NO ambiguity
He should not feel bad because he is #2. He played like #1. I guess we have two #1s.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@DrA, Last season was a bit of an anomaly. All along, they’ve otherwise been like 1A and 1B.
Bernier did a really good job considering he hasn’t really been expected to get starts this season–much better than he did in relief a few games back. There were only a couple tricky rebounds he struggled with, and the one shot he let in he didn’t have a chance on. He did get help from one pipe, but his team gave him a couple goals to work with. That and it was good to see his skaters keep players from driving right through the slot in front of him. Maybe they’ll give Quick that sort of opportunity Friday. I also hope Quick saw some things to help him with his game.
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he got us exactly what we needed, he was a class act
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Bob Bobson Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 7:43 am
@Ravens, Agreed, he was very well-spoken after the game. This would be a good time to showcase him more and get someone to trade for him. We would need a back up in return but his trade value only goes lower the longer he sits as Quick’s back up.
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Who is in goal on Friday?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 9:46 pm
@DrA, The starter.
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Coach Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:36 pm
@DrA, This isn’t baseball.
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sloracer Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 8:21 am
@DrA,
Jonathan.
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RobSD Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 9:50 am
@DrA,
They should play Bernier again. Stick with the winning goalie and switch when they don’t play good. Look what happened in Vancouver. Luongo was all but gone and a few bad games by Schnieder and Luongo is starting every game…
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45 was cool and collected. It’s a shame he isn’t used more. I hope he gets in more games this year. Kings will need everyone on their roster plus some to repeat.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:05 pm
@yetiman_oc, Remember, he didn’t look so sharp most of last season, and that probably had something to do with how Sutter’s used him. Maybe now he’ll at least get some sniffs on back-to-back games, if he keeps playing well. I don’t WANT TO THINK about any other reasons he might get more starts (and it’s pretty early to think that way anyway.)
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Nice cameo, son.
Now pack your bags for DC, we’re swapping you for Ovi!
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Yuri Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 9:53 pm
@Duncanz, ummmm how bout no…? its still early but we need to our d in check.
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Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:08 am
@Yuri, Yes.
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Larry Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 10:27 pm
@Duncanz, Dude are you serious??? What kind of team do you think we’d have if we kept playing Quickie all the time without Bernier as backup??? He’s the best backup goaltender in the league!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:09 am
@Larry, Well, only slightly.
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jess Reply:
February 11th, 2013 at 11:03 pm
@Duncanz,
@Gustavo?? Is that you??
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Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:09 am
@jess, Yes.
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Great game guys keep it going
Go Kings Go!
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Just watched the highlights and Bernier looked really solid. Different style than Quick, but the effort and ability are both there.
I also liked the way the team responded, by playing a better team defense in front of him.
Honestly, after tonight’s performance, I think he has earned and deserves a second straight start.
Anyone out there know the last time Bernier has had two or more straight starts?
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paige Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 1:13 am
@Wilmonde, i am positive it was before Sutter
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Bernie, you did a really good job tonight!!! Glad you’re still on the team buddy cause it wouldn’t be the same without you!!!!
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Duncanz Reply:
February 12th, 2013 at 12:11 am
@Larry, How about trading him for Kovalchuk?
Would you like that?
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Duckbasher Reply:
February 13th, 2013 at 9:49 am
@Duncanz, umm… I’m thinking you might have to up the offer a tad bit. Maybe Bernier/Kopitar or Bernier/Doughty could land us a franchise player like Kovalchuk. So basically… NO!
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Bernier was good in net, it’s a good sign that he was able to step in when asked to start (instead of replacing Quick mid-game). Quick is our #1 (no question), but Bernier pushing him for starts is a good situation. lots of back-to-back games coming up. GKG.
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Big props to jonathan bernier. I’m sure the timing of this start was pretty much set in stone when the schedule came out due to the back to back on the road, and thrre is no message to quick expressed or implied. They both have been at their best when they challenge each other. Nice to see Carter doing his thing, and am I the only one who thinks Voynov is turning into a solid player, at least in the offensive zone? I think we might have a chance yet. GKG!!!
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Bernier got 3rd star of the game…I take it Carter & Voynov were 1 & 2 …
Slava was impressive once again, & Carter has the “fastest gun in the west”…
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Slava is a beast in all three zones.
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