As I noted on Twitter, Jonathan Quick was the first goalie off the ice. This is an indication that he’s the likely starter against the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at Staples Center.
Tyler Toffoli and Brad Richardson exited the ice at the same time, though because Los Angeles is coming off a win in which it scored five goals and Toffoli was involved in his NHL debut, I’m not projecting any lineup changes for tonight’s game.
Darryl Sutter just addressed the media and spent some time discussing the all-around virtues of Anze Kopitar. I’ll share his quotes shortly.
I know he is our number 1. But he hasn’t earned it this year, Bernier has! Why take it away from Bernier!
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Now I am questioning every goalie move BBF makes.
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I hope Quick can channel his inner Conn Smythe…Its there, you can be sure of that…just hope it rears its beautiful head tonight and going forward. Regardless of the night he has I would like to see Bernier start tomorrow (unless JQ posts a ____out)
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:01 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, why does ANYONE have to even insinuate that word? You guys really don’t get that jinx do you? Respect the jinx, please!
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Neil Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
@Shotongoal, Hate to break it to all humans….we DONT have the power to break shutouts…to break freethrows streaks(in Basketball) to breakup no hitters in Baseball….Now move on to stuff you do control….
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Michael J. Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:11 pm
@Neil,
Wait!!! So DesertKing CAN wash his socks???
Mars Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
@Neil, The jinx can only be broken is by the fans getting really loud and cheering at incredible volume.
GO MUTHER EFFIN KINGS GO!!!
Also drop Doan.
Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
@Neil, I’m a sports fan through and through so I will continue to respect a jinx, a gooch, a whatever you want to call it! Lol
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
@Shotongoal, Im only somewhat superstitous…hence why I didnt write the actual word. But when it comes down to it it makes no difference. Shut out…there I said it. If he doesnt get one you can blame it on me!
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, nice going I guess it was important for you to make a point. I’ll keep my old fashioned traditional sports ways, it works for Vinnie and Bob, and worked for Chickie Baby. If its good enough for those legends, it’s good enough for me…………
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, context sometimes gets lost in posts. I felt you were sculding me for my post…so yeah, It was important to me to make the that point.
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
that was supposed to be @Shotongoal….
shutout Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
@Shotongoal, what word?
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jet Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
@Shotongoal, I find it funny given your moniker, that you are so concerned about a donut.
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InTheCrease Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Say this as fast as you can: Shut out. Shut out. Shut out. Shut out. Shut out.
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InTheCrease Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
By the way, I think starting Quick is a mistake. Bernier is hot and should play ’til he’s not.
InTheCrease Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Oh, and I also think that Quick should sit on the bench until he learns how to stay in the crease and not go chasing the puck all over the place…
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:33 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I don’t believe in the jinx, but out of respect for others’ ignorance, I refrain from “tempting fate.”
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I know Quick is our #1 goalie but he hasn’t earned it, Bernier has
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Hmmmmm??
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Kings just need to play there game, skate , hit, shoot defend win. Lets go boys. Happy to hear they are getting rid of the old purple and black jerseys. They are the past. I wish they would wear white at home sometimes.
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Good to see Sutter showing the faith in his #1, Conn Smythe winning, Vezina candidate, disputable MVP of this team for the past THREE SEASONS goalie. When Quick is back to his regular form I will feel better about this teams chances of repeating. That will only happen if he plays. I am not a “what have you done for me lately” kind of person and I think realistically that this teams best chances come with a solid Quick in the nets. I’m very happy that Bernier has proven himself so far this year, and in fact is pretty much playing like the goalie the Kings expected him to be when they drafted him. With that said, he’s the backup, no matter what, and this teams’ long range season fortunes rest on Quick getting back to being what he has been for most of his career. I don’t think there is anything physically wrong with Quick, he wouldn’t be out there if there were something wrong. It is obvious that he is chasing the puck too much and that is messing up his positioning, simple as that, and that will get fixed only by playing.
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Neil Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@Shotongoal, Quick is healthy…He has made some great saves this season..he looked good last week against Cal..He is in a slump…also needs work on the high shot…Iam guessing that he has looked good in practice….Quick tonight…play Bernier tomorrow…
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Michael J. Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@Neil,
I’m not so worried about the high shots, it’s the sliding theough the crease out to the circles that concerns me. This type play reminds me of his rookie year, which was still a huge improvement over that guy who used to play for the Kings… yes, all 10 previous goalies…
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Michael J. Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Neil,
BTW… thank… you… for… keeping… your… …’s… limiled… to… three…
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
@Neil, This “controversy” is nothing short of amazing. I know someone like Hexy or Ranny isn’t going to come out and tell the public what’s up, but I’m guessing they know and they’re working with him. I’m also guessing they know more about it than we do, combined.
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JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’m guessing their still counting the 50 millions why quick should be the starter. It’s impossible for quick to loose the starting job…. Impossible!!!
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
Yup, I know what you mean. The Illuminati have the whole Anschutz family locked up in some dungeon somewhere, and they won’t let them loose unless Quick finishes the season.
puck73 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@Shotongoal, You make good points about Quick, and I do imagine that at some point he should regain the form that has made him argubly the best goalie in The NHL. Right now however, he is fighting the puck, and I say Bernier has been a calming influence in front of a very young and inexperienced defense. I say give Bernier a chance and see how far he can run with it. If he falls flat, no biggy, put JQ back in.
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chuckie Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
@puck73, It wasn’t long ago that Tim Thomas was the playoff MVP for the Bruins. He’s no longer arguably the best goalie in the NHL.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
@chuckie, There is no “Tim Thomas” on the Boston Bruins’ roster.
luc20rules Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:04 pm
@chuckie, He was until he decided to take a one year vacation, because he thought he was under paid this year.
Forum67 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
@puck73,
+1.
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Lake Forest Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
@Shotongoal, This is more about what JB has been doing and less about what JQ has been doing.
How long does it take to “fix” the chasing the puck? It’s been 20 games.
I stand behind both of them, just think JB has earned more time than just the argument that he is not #1.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
@Lake Forest, bottom line, are you comfortable that Bernier can be a Cup winning goalie this season? I’m just not, history hasn’t been real good for inexperienced goalies winning Cups. Roy was one of those, as was Dryden, but how many more where there. I’d rather put my faith in the goalie that’s going to be here many years and not the goalie that will probably be gone after this season.
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@Shotongoal, History is also full of one time MVPs that went back to their “3rd round draft choice” performance for the rest of their careers. Sutter must go with the hot goalie and allow them to compete. That is the only way to find out if Berneir is worth the 1st round draft choice that he was. Competition is good for the goalies. Why would you, or anyone not want that?
Duckbasher Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
@Shotongoal, I’m extremely confident in Bernier. Same as I was when JQ got on his hot streak last season. Let’s not forget he was the best in the AHL before becoming a stay at home (on the bench) goalie. Since it’s back-back I’m good with starting either tonight. Bernier is going to go on to become one of the premier goalies in this league. And that you can take to the bank (the same as he’s going to do in the off-season).
Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:40 pm
@Shotongoal, @Nowimpressed, so you’re discounting what Quick has done for the last THREE SEASONS? Really? He didn’t become an overnight sensation. He was not very good in the ’09-10 or ’10-11 but proved what playoff experience can do for a young goalie by dominating last playoff season. I’m sorry but your statement is almost laughable. Amazing how some here totally disregard what it took for Quick to become what he did last season, and to just forget it over 26 games. Oh well……..
JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
@Shotongoal. @NOW IMPRESSESED. You questioned quick??? How dare you! You are now to be judged be laughable, by the quick can do no wrong society
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
@Shotongoal, How do you read that I’m discounting everything Quick did and am throwing him under the bus. All I said is compition is good for the goalies, and I ask again, why would you, or anyone else not want that?
Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:48 pm
@NOWIMPRESSED, so you weren’t referencing Quick when you stated “History is full of one one time MVP’s that went back to their third round draft choice performances”? If not than okay, but it’s hard for me to read that any other way, hence my response. I have no problem with competition, but I do not think Bernier can duplicate what Quick did last year in the playoffs. If you look at Cup winners just over the last 20 years there have been only possibly four teams that have won the Cup using an inexperienced playoff goaltender. Therefore, the point I am making is that I have no problem with the Kings being patient with Quick until he gets his groove back, because I think that’s their best chance of repeating.
I love Bernier, and have ever since they drafted him. I was all about Quick showing me and proving to me that he was the one, well he did that last season. Prior to the playoffs starting last season I told Puck73 that I thought the Kings would lose to VAN in the 1st round but that I hoped that their veteran players (Brown, Kopitar, Doughty, and Quick) would at least prove that they could be good, reliable playoff players, something that all of them had yet to prove. Well, I was totally wrong about that serious, but I was sure happy that those key four veteran “Kings” players proved that they could become stars in the playoffs. So, love what Bernier has done so far, but I just truly believe that it will be very hard to repeat if Quick isn’t at top form by playoff time. I’m more of a big picture person than an instant gratification one. Quick was the big picture last year and for the years to follow. Bernier is the “quick” fix (no pun intended) for now!
Forum67 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
@Shotongoal,
What I would have been comfortable with would have been Bernier playing on the front end of this back to back and Quick playing on the back end if Bernier lost on the front end. What I suspect is Quick is going to play both ends regardless of what happens tonight.
linny Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
@Lake Forest, great logical, sensible, knowledgeable post. I used to be (3 years ago) a “would you please give JB a good shot, like 20 games+ to c what he can do…especially when JQ was giving up “softies “. They stuck with JQ n he worked on his weaknesses like the high glove side. Then although I still would have liked JB yo get a few more starts, JQ took on the load toward end of last year especially and became a beast.
I think most of Quick’s issues this year have to do with his missing D monsters, WM n MG. Since Bernier didn’t play much last year maybe its easier for him yo adapt. Whatever the reason, he’s been a stud n I now feel we could ride him into the playoffs if the D doesn’t fall apart. I still think JQ will b the man though if we get in.
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deepsea_drumz Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:32 pm
@Shotongoal, The defense is not quite there yet either. They were not scoring as many goals this time last year, but Quick kept them competitive. I think they will dominate the ‘Yotes both nights. I wish I could see this game tonight, but will have to rely on NHL network for updates. I think the KINGS could verty well finish 4th, but we’ll see.
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Deke'r Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
@deepsea_drumz, …..as per last year….I’m not concerned about what “place” the Kings end up as long as they have a “place”…GKG!!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@Deke’r, I am concerned about what seed they get. I think this postseason they’d benefit greatly from starting the playoffs at home. Look at how their road/home records have varied from last season. Sutter explained it too. It’s real.
Oh, and for the record, I think Bernier should be playing the bulk of the next ten games.
number 6 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
@Shotongoal,
‘I don’t think there is anything physically wrong with Quick, he wouldn’t be out there if there were something wrong.’
Last season there was a lot wrong w him and he played thru it….. so, not true that.
Also, after an operation the body needs time to readjust and settle in… particularly something so profound as a back operation.
Add to that the young ‘d’ and it’s made it difficult so far for him. Save % not a pretty site at the moment.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
@number 6, playoffs are a huge difference compared to a shortened regular season. I don’t think there’s any way that Quick would be out there if the Kings didn’t think he was 100%. C’mon do you really thnk this team is going to endanger their franchise goalie by putting him out there if he’s not healthy? Again, were talking about NOW not last year in the playoffs. In the playoffs NO ONE is 100%. As far as maybe being rusty coming off the surgery, that’s a very good possibility, but that’s not going to get fixed unless he’s playing.
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weequahic68 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:37 pm
@Shotongoal, Do you remember Mario Lessard? Great all star goalie with the triple crown line team..Unbelievable season until the thr following year when rest of the league figured him out…:shoot High: That was the end of who was supposed to be great King goalie of that time. Hope Quick is not the second coming. In the days of today with video and scouting, players tendencies are figured out quickly.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
@weequahic68, This isn’t the first butterfly goaltender.
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weequahic68 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I am not talking about butterfly style, I am talking about tendencies that are now easily figured out
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
I could have been a bit more blunt. Goaltending is coming a long way. Did you know Quick’s save percentage and GAA are both better NOW than Lassard ever recorded in a season? Again…Goaltending has come a long way. Look at it another way. Quick’s numbers with the Kings have increased every single year up to now. He’s not going to disappear.
jet Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
@weequahic68, I still have my Lassard jersey, although the moths got to it, and it full of holes.
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YoBro Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@jet, Must have been a game jersey with all the holes. Moths huh? Hmmm….
Go Kings
Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
@weequahic68,I’m sure I remember him as much if not more than you do, but you’re comparing apples to oranges. Lessard had one good season, playoffs NOT included! Quick has been a SOLID #1 for THREE SEASONS! No more needs to be said.
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weequahic68 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:05 pm
@Shotongoal, Season seat holder from 73 thru 95….so yes I remember him probably better than you. And he had great minor league stats and came up with all the hoopla. Yes Quick has had a few solid years but has one hell of a better defense in front of him and better equipment to boot. Lessard played in the NHL scoring years with flimsy pads and was top notch until he was figured out. Quick is showing he needs a better D in front to make his style work. With our top stay at home d out, the goaltending is more prominent and he seems not to be equal to the task.
Paul Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
@Shotongoal, Omg no, horrible. Only reason why this is excusable is because he trusts Bernier more. Quick is playing when the D is rested, Bernier won’t be
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Talk about this blog blowing up! If Richardson went in for Toffoli… I could only imagine the calamity
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Neil Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
@Michael J., Toffoli is playing…he is 20..he is not getting off the ice at practice until everyone else is off the ice…
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Michael J. Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:02 pm
@Neil,
We would all like to think that… someone has to pick up the pucks.
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Mars Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@Neil, Agree, make every minute count.
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Robbie Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
@Michael J., DS will wait until Toffoli scores some goals like Loktionov did last season and then BAM back to Manch City punk.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:59 pm
@Robbie, DS does not have the final say in who gets sent back down.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:46 pm
@HockeyNerd, You’re right, what DS thinks has more than a little pull. I’ll remind you of Sutter’s vacation in Manch last season, and the result.
jet Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@Robbie, It would not be terrible for TT’s development if he played a half dozen games and then went back down.
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would love to know what DS is really thinking about the goalie situation…We know about save pct. but is Quick’s problem…mental…injury…game has been exposed…slump???? If we (Kings fans) cant trust DS to make the right decision…
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Michael J. Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:04 pm
@neil,
All I know is that should JQ surrender three or four in the first 40 minutes then get pulled there might be at least a half dozen comments on the game thread about it.
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Neil Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:08 pm
@Michael J., only a half dozen comments???…And many will say…”Bernier wouldve had that”…”The Kings play better behind Bernier”….
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JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
@Neil, it’s not the kings play better in front of bernier, it’s bernier plays better behind the kings
It look like the kings are prepared to write off The whole season, to prove that quicks 50 million was the right choice
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Yes, it’s a vast conspiracy. It goes all the way to the top of the Anschutz empire.
JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
@Neil, @wthkenneth. No way DL just decided, without any consultation that quick was the real deal. You can bet “Hexy”, “rany” and DS himself had plenty of input.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
@Neil, Who’s “rany?”
goaliemom Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
@Neil, Why wouldn’t you trust him? I think he knows more than any of us…
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Michael J. Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@goaliemom,
But less than @poorman.
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JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:13 pm
@Michael J., over a year later, still the poorman cracks. Looks like he might of been right, try something new
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Yes, we all dreamt of the Stanley Cup Finals, etc. In reality it was a bad decision followed by a twisted dream.
Neil Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
@goaliemom, Exactly…I do think he wants to win…Ds sees stuff that we dont..such practices..mental state…etc..
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JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:12 pm
@goaliemom, I think it’s a personal thing, with management, bernier will never be the starter. It’s up to quick to get it together
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freezerflatten Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
@JD, i believe your right. with all the money their paying quick, he is going to play. i think winning the cup last year satisfied everyone. except the fans. we are back to just being competitive.
Paul Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
@Neil, Bernier will play tomorrow when the team is tired, this is actually a sign of trusting Bernier more.
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JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:55 pm
@Paul, plus if they come out flay on B2B it’s on bernier
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If quick falters again, at what point do you commit more to Bernier for this season? unfortunately, the margin for error is very small this season…
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
@tornado12, how many losses this season do you think Quick has personally been responsible for? That should answer the question. Not being a dick, just being realistic. I know we all have seen a different Quick so far this season from the last few seasons, but realistically how many losses have totally been his fault? I’m just not very confident that Bernier can all of a sudden be a Cup winning goalie this season when he’s never played in many important games up to this point in his NHL career. I’m much more comfortable with Sutter going back to Quick until Quick fixes his game and gets it back to where it has been over his career. That’s when I’ll be confident the Kings can repeat this season.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:20 pm
@Shotongoal,
Quite a few. How many games have the Kings been down 2,3, or 4 goals be the end of the 1st period? Quick isn’t making the big plays, and his 1st periods have been just god awful. The team doesn’t play with confidence when Quick isn’t making stops. .891 Save % doesn’t lie.
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Shotongoal Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@cup4kings, quite a few that he lost himself, that he gave up terrible, easy goals that cost them the game? I don’t agree. I know all the numbers. But I’m talking about Quick losing games this season pretty much by himself. I don’t think a lot of those goals you’re talking about were directly Quick’s fault. Some yes, but not to the point that he was the sole responsible player for the Kings losing games.
cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
@shotongoal,
You can’t put the blame on just one person or one play in a game, I agree. But Quick’s inability to make the big stop, or when he’s giving up fat rebounds that lead to extended forechecks or point blank shots in the slot are hurting the Kings. Quick seems to get better as the game goes on, but by that time the Kings are scrambling back from multiple goal deficits. I don’t think you can argue that the Kings play with more confidence in front of Bernier this year. I’ve seen Bernier make those big stops when the defense breaks down….Quick, not so much. Agree to disagree I guess
Duckbasher Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
@cup4kings, Bernier has played WAY BETTER this season than Quick. I have no idea why… but that is a fact. No team will win anything if their goalie only has an 89.1% save percentage. Quick needs to be better. Plain and simple or he needs to sit.
tim chaney Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:12 pm
@cup4kings, maybe bernier will light a fire under quick. all the team can do is benefit…
jet Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
@Shotongoal, None, they win as a team, they lose as a team.
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Forum67 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:09 pm
@Shotongoal,
What you say about Bernier’s lack of experience in big games reminds me of employers that won’t hire you unless you have experience. Unless or until Bernier gets Stanley Cup playoff experience we will never know what he could do in the playoffs. Although I don’t agree with Quick starting tonight’s game, he is our No. 1 goalie. And although I don’t agree with the Jolly Rancher’s decision to start Quick tonight, he and Quick delivered The Cup, so I’ll just suck it up and say GO KINGS GO,
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
@tornado12, You don’t commit anyone for the season, you play whatever gives you the best chance to win at any particular time.
Bernier could go cold at any time, he’s human. Quick could get hot at any time. Right now Bernier is doing well, but were in a back to back situation so either goalie makes sense this first game.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:50 pm
@KC23, No fair, using reason and logic and stuff!
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JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, what has quick done THIS season , to make anybody think he gives us the best chance to win, must be that killer save%
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 5:10 pm
@JD, Hmm…I didn’t see “best chance to win” anywhere in the post I agreed with. What I did see is that we’re in a back-to-back situation, so it’s not shocking if either goaltender starts this game, but thanks for reaching and grabbing something that wasn’t in the thread as though it was…oh…something someone said that you were responding to.
JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, must of been “you play whatever gives you the best chance to win at a particular time”. Your getting way to defensive, don’t worry, after Berniers gone, quick will be #1 again, by default
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
Yeah, I was agreeing with the part about back-to-backs, which didn’t sound particularly smartass like “what has quick done THIS season , to make anybody think he gives us the best chance to win, must be that killer save%” does…but haters gonna hate, and stalkers gonna stalk.
AH crap, let me turn off the ceiling fan, put on my boots, raincoat and grab an umbrella.
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Coaches are working on Quick, But he is unsure of himself. With back to back it wont matter which goalie plays in what game.
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I am fine with this decision as long as Bernier plays tomorrow night. I love both our goalies, and I am fine with whoever DS decides on is our #1, I just don’t want to see them play in back to back.
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puck73 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
@wobsse6, I feel the same way.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:09 pm
@wobsse6, +1
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
@wobsse6, Solid. It’s the one thing about Sutter that really gets me. At the end of the day, though, and I know I say this a lot–he’s Sutter, and I’m not!
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It’s a home game. DS knows he can take advantage on line match ups. It has been working. He wants Quick to get mojo back. What better circumstance would there be? Besides, this is a good opportunity for our young defenders to learn how they handle the crease area when Quick is in the net.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:26 pm
@goldielocks,
Better circumstance? Ummmm, Bernier starting. Kings were down 4-0 on 21 shots the last time the Kings played the Coyotes. Quick in net. Our young defenders seem to play with more confidence with Bernier in net. Just saying.
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goaliemom Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
@cup4kings, our young defenders need to play with more confidence regardless who is in net, just saying…
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
@goaliemom, I agree. I think that’s a given.
goaliemom's son Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 10:18 pm
@goaliemom, hi mom
goaliemom's son Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 10:18 pm
@goaliemom, hi mom
KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@cup4kings, Apples and organges. That was the 2nd game of a back to back on the road against a rested team. No comparison what so ever can really be considered reasonable.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@KC23, They were playing the Coyotes that last time I checked? I would consider that somewhat reasonable. How about Quick’s next start in San Jose two days later? 3 goals on 12 shots. That wasn’t a back-to-back. Or the 4 goals on 21 shots against Dallas before that, wasn’t a back-to-back. I could go on if you like?
Deke'r Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
@cup4kings, ….think it’s more of a rebound issue…Bernies got more control of rebounds when he gives them….
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
@cup4kings, You’re talking about that game where Sutter basically said he didn’t expect them to win because they were plum tired playing 6 games in 9 nights, right? Did you know hockey games aren’t played in a vacuum?
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I always wanted to do this before Gail
Go Kings Go !!!!!!
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gailweb Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
@Neil, Ha Ha
Ok you can go first no worries
All I want is our boys to do good and win
Go Kings Go!
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The bottom line is the Kings need points. I hope Quick regains his form, but if he is not winning and Bernier is, then I think we have to play Bernier more. Lets face it, Quick has already gotten a very long leash already this season. If it were any other goalie, he would have been benched a long time ago. DS himself said the goalie competition has been good for the team. If Quick sees Bernier playing more, don’t you think it will give him extra motivation to get back into form? I’m all for sentimality and remembering what Quick did last year, but what good is that if we miss the playoffs?
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:28 pm
@Phil,
I agree. Bernier is playing better. The team is playing with more confidence in front of Bernier. Why Sutter is having Quick play tonight is beyond me. Quick should get the start tomorrow if anything. Not tonight.
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Deke'r Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@cup4kings, ….yup….
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puck73 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:29 pm
@Phil, I think you make reasonable points. And lets be honest here, with the exception of @Kinger and @poorman, no one is saying trade JQ or bench his ass for the rest of the season. I think the goaltending situation is simple…game by game. Right now, Bernier looks solid so play him. If he stinks, then put JQ in…very simple.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
@Phil, I agree except about the Quick needing “motivation”. That would seem to infer that Quick lacks motivation to do well and that sounds absurd to me. Probably not what you meant anyway. Just an expression perhaps.
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Phil Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:34 pm
@KC23, No, I am not suggesting that Quick isn’t motivated now. Its just that if Quick knows that he will continue to get starts, he could get complacent. However, if he knows that DS could start Bernier at any time, it will keep Quick on his toes and get him to practice even harder. Many coaches have stated that they can only motivate players so much, and the rest of the motivation has to come from competition from within the team and players knowing that there are others who are out to take their job.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Don’t entirely disagree with the bulk of that…except Kings fans have already become spoiled. “If it were any other goalie” it would be similar. The fact that Bernier is backup has skewed many fans’ perspective.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
…and, I’ll repeat, so someone doesn’t claim otherwise: I think Bernier should play the bulk of the next ten games or so.
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I’m glad that Sutter, Ranford, Payne and Stevens know a whole lot more than most of us do about the Kings, hockey, goalies, stick tape, goaltending, the trapezoid, defensive play, ringing the puck around the boards and such things.
I’ve stated a few times that i would hand over the keys to JB for a while, but I will trust the experts to do their jobs. I hope the Kings go out and score two or three in the first period and roll to a win tonight, all the while allowing Quick great looks at low-percentage shots all night. I think the coaches believe that JQ is the man who is most likely to move the Kings deep into the playoffs, and they are doing what they believe is best to make another run at the cup.
Go Kings Go.
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:46 pm
@Michael J., And… let’s not forget that the King’s are on the hook for Quick’s salary for many (did I say many? I meant to say many, many, many) more years. So they need their investment to pan out (or they could be in deep bandini). On the other hand, they will lose Bernier FOR SURE because they can’t afford him after this season. Personally, I think Quick’s style of play will falter as he gets older (and has injuries). It’s his athletic skills as much as anything that makes him successful. On the other hand… Bernier style will allow him to play until he’s 40. ‘jus sayin
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@Duckbasher, Reasonable take about Quick style, but there have been goalies who have change their style with age and stay very sharp over time.
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tim chaney Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
@Duckbasher, i say unless youre getting a game changer in return, keep bernier as long as you can…
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Duckbasher Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
@tim chaney, I couldn’t agree more. I mean (god forbid) Quick could go down with a long-term injury (or require surgery). So if I’m Lombardi, I wouldn’t even consider moving Bernier at the deadline if we’re in the playoff picture. I’d wait til the season is over and see if he gets an offer or see what other teams are willing to part with to get a goalie of his caliber. I’d way rather go with the team as it is, hoping that we get Mitchell back for a run at another cup. I wouldn’t even think of trading Bernier for a rental player because frankly (IMHO) we don’t need one. The Kings are stacked with talent. And we can all thank Dean lombardi for this.
This decision can also be viewed from a “stopper” perspective. DS is expecting Bernier to have a solid game tomorrow, and if we were to lose tonight, he’s counting on JB to pick up a “W” on the second game of the back-to-back. If Quick plays well and we win tonight, JB’s in there tomorrow for the sweep.
Coupled with the general idea of making sure your Conn Smythe winning goalie is reminded he’s still trusted out there, I like the call by the coach.
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It’s a very tight points race right now, I’m sure JQ will give us his very best. Also I have a very good feeling about Toffoli getting his first tonight, or at least an assist.
-And @Adam M, don’t call the cops!!
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deepsea_drumz Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:35 pm
@jess, Yes..I think T2 will get his first point tonight. A one timer!
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puck73 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@deepsea_drumz, Hopefully Toffoli doesnt get blasted into next week by Rafi Torres.
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tornado12 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
@puck73, from what ive heard torres in the running for the lady byng this year…
KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:17 pm
@puck73, Pretty sure Torres is not going to be taking any marginal liberties this year. At least in the regular season. Playoffs I wouldn’t be so sure though.
cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
@jess, I think that line gets hot this week….starting tonight! I hope you’re right!
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The more I think about it, Sutter might be just really saying to Quick it’s time for you to step up or I have to go with Bernier Tues, Thurs, Sat this week. Not much to say if Quick has another off night tonight. Bernier gets the nod tomorrow, no brainer. However, if Quick steps up and has a huge game tonight, he gets more run the rest of this busy week.
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puck73 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
@cup4kings, Very good point! I think Quick needs to make a staement tonite for sure or else you might be right.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
@puck73, Especially with a 5 game roadie after Saturday starting in Chicago. Sutter has to know if Quick will be his man or not.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
@cup4kings, I’d like to see Bernier start four games of that roadie, with Quick starting against Dallas or Minnesota (not sure I care which.)
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
@cup4kings, You guys are overanalyzing again! I am sure nobody is more upset at the way Quick has been playing than Quick. This is not a “do or die” game. The Goalies needed to each have a start in back to back. That’s all.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
@HockeyNerd, You know, it’s funny. Surely they’ve got their inner torment, but I don’t think either JQ or JB has any of the hostility toward the other that some people on this blog have.
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Deke'r Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:36 pm
@cup4kings, ….on the other hand…the Yotes are confident they can beat JQ….why not put a little doubt in their minds at the start….
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As long as JB plays tomorrow night (and hopefully the rest of the week) I’m fine with this. Quick is not ready for back to back games and maybe not even ready for more than one game a week. Quick is at a point where he need to prove himself before being handed games. Fortunately JB has played well enough to make this assertion. Maybe if Quick plays lights out tonight he can have another game this week – but definitely not tomorrow’s game.
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What more can Bernier do and Quick not do before Sutter pulls his head from his “you know what”? We are only two points out of a playoff spot, and a loss tonight will do it. We don’t have the luxury of time and games remaining to let Quick struggle and lose points for us like he’s already done.
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goaliemom Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
@Canadian King, it boggles (sp) my mind how many pepole think they know more than the coach and that he is some hick old man with his head somewhere other than his sholders…
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Robbie Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@goaliemom, There are plenty of ex-coaches who wished they had listened to the fans.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:05 pm
@Robbie, They aren’t named ‘Sutter.’
cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 1:25 pm
@goaliemom, It’s not that people think they know more than the coach, that’s a bit of an exaggeratuon don’t you think? You’re taking these posts and coming to that conclusion? That boggles my mind, lol. So as fans we can never question a coach’s decision is what you’re saying.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:05 pm
@cup4kings, Questioning is fine, saying DS has his head in his “you know what” was a little more extreme….
cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
@HockeyNerd, hahaha, I guess it was
JD Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:00 pm
@goaliemom, there are 50 million reasons for the kings organization to keep pushing forward with quick, think DS knows what is expected of him
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goaliemom Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
@JD, I wasn’t the one questioning Sutters expectations… just the “extreme” comments..
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Yup, the decision came all the way from the top, obviously.
HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:12 pm
@Canadian King, If you used a little more analysis and a little less thinking about coaches “you know what’s” you would realize that the games need to be spilt among the goaltenders and that maybe, just maybe DS wants to use the better Goaltender right now to hopefully “steal a game” when the team is tired Tommorow might and making more mistakes. Or maybe not. But I seriously doubt you know what DS is thinking.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:21 pm
@Canadian King, I’m going to lean with what the coach thinks who took a team (that seemed certain to miss the playoffs) through the 2nd best run in playoff history.
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You need two G’s in a compressed schedule. 4 games in 6 nights, it’s reasonable to give them both starts. I don’t see it as anything more than that.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:22 pm
@Pumpernicholl, +1
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
@Pumpernicholl, A voice of reason here!
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DS knows so much more about what’s going on with the players than we do, but you can’t argue that JQ has not been playing as well as JB this year. Remove JB’s relief appearance against Anaslime and his bad game against STL and it’s clear he’s had the better games.
And if the prevailing wisdom around here is true and that the team generally plays better in front of him than in front of JQ, that sounds like reason enough to put JB into as many games as you can.
But I believe in DS, so good enough for me.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@vplaza, I don’t buy the “kings play better for JB”. JB has just been better than JQ making the team look better. JB’s rebound control has been pretty good and JQ has struggled.
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Starting Quick then pulling him in the middle of games (by a Coach that hates to pull goalies) can’t be so great for Quick’s “recovery.”
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:26 pm
@MmmmYummy, Better than leaving him in when he’s struggling or letting him stagnate on the bench for multiple games.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
@MmmmYummy, How is starting Bernier and pulling him in the middle of games?
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I think Quick’s performance has much to do with not having the dependable, stay at home veteran D that he is used to. His athletic game requires him read the play as it develops and make his moves based on the percentages or options the opponents has and knowing how your D man is going to react to the that particular play is HUGE.
Bernier on the other hand is a dot to dot technical style goalie who makes his reads more so base on puck position and a little less on how the play is developing.
Bottom line is quick is an amazing goalie and the more he plays, the more comfortable he will feel with his D. Then the reads will come easier.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
@DuckHunter31, Perhaps. I’m leaning more to Quicks mechanics are just right it seems, but you could be right or perhaps a bit of both.
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KC23 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:28 pm
@KC23, * “… mechanics are just NOT right …”
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
@DuckHunter31, I agree. I absolutely believe it has to do with being comfortable with his D.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
…and I guess I should have said the reason I think so is because he had the same six for an extended period of time and got really comfortable in front of them (and vice-versa.)
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Everyone is overanalyzing this. The Goaltenders will split the games the next 2 days and at that point DS will decide who plays after that. I don’t think even HE knows that yet.
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cup4kings Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
@HockeyNerd, I think people understand that, it’s more of this game tonight. Bernier has earned it you would think to start the first game of the back-to-back. It is what is it at this point. I hope Quick shuts them out and gets most the starts this week. It would be better in the long run.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
@cup4kings, Who starts which of them as long as they are split is not a big deal and is a VERY overrated concern here.
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I don’t understand why he won’t ride the hot hand with how important these next 3 home games are. JB should be in net tonight and give Quick the game on Tuesday and from there you decide who plays Dallas.
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HockeyNerd Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 2:57 pm
@Dooms, What’s the big huge difference between that and putting JQ in net tonight, JB Tommorow and from there seeing who plays Dallas?
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Dooms Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 3:18 pm
@HockeyNerd, Actually quite a difference because you’re riding the “Hot Hand” in JB instead of letting him sit out a game.
Right now JB has earned the pipes while JQ is given the net becuase of past performaces and contract (don’t get me wrong because JQ has earned it too, but I’m thinking about this crazy schedule of 17 games in 30 days).
Anyway I see DS giving Quick the next two like he has done the previous two sets of back to backs.
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goaliemom Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
@Dooms, how do you know the reason JQ was given the net? Did you have lunch with the coach?
I’m not understanding all these “DS won’t ride the hot hand” posts at all! The games NEED to be split and if anything why not use the more rested Goaltender tonight and use the one who is playing better Tommorow when the team will be more tired and make more mistakes?
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:11 pm
@HockeyNerd, Generally I agree with you on that, but you have to give a bit of a nod to the fact that Sutter doesn’t necessarily like to split the back-to-backs, so the guys who want to maximize Bernier’s time are understandably distressed.
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WHAT???? I can’t believe it! Why would you start Quick EVER??? take it easy folks, I’m just kidding. I think it’s a good move to bring back J Quick! I expect a good game from him tonight. I also have a feeling one of these two games will go into OT…just a feeling
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Oh well, if Bernier is gonna start tomorrow, it doesn’t make much difference, as most people not named Sutter would start each back-to-back. With Sutter, of course, YMMV.
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
By the way, I hope they both stand on their heads (which is to say, I hope they don’t really have to but do, and I hope Bernier continues to push him.
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Anyone else kind of what to see Richardson in the line-up?
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tory17 Reply:
March 18th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
@Dooms,
Not really
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Gustavo Reply:
March 19th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
@Dooms,
Why?
I would much rather see Richardson be traded (for picks) to a team where he can get playing time and give Anthony Stewart a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation.
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Go get em’ Quick!
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