Ersberg's opportunity

This could turn into quite an opportunity for Erik Ersberg. It’s fair to say that after his poor effort in October in New York, Ersberg lost a bit of the faith of Terry Murray, but tonight gives Ersberg an opportunity. If he can play well, at home, in a big bounce-back game against a tough division rival, it’s safe to say he would be in the coach’s good graces.

Ersberg has started only four games this season and appeared in two others, including 14 scoreless minutes Saturday against St. Louis. Ersberg allowed two goals in two of this starts and four goals in the other two. Here’s what he said this morning about tonight’s start…

Question: You had a good outing in a bad situation the other night. Is it a matter of building off that now?

ERSBERG: “I felt good when I came in. It’s a little weird, coming in in the third period. That doesn’t happen a lot. But they had some shots and I made some saves, so I felt good.”

Question: This will be your first start at home this season. Does that make any difference to you?

ERSBERG: “It’s always nice to play at home, in front of the fans. We have great fans here, but other than that, as soon as the puck is dropped, you just watch the puck and the ice and the players.”

Question: It’s pretty rare for you to get in back-to-back games. Does it help, in terms of establishing a rhythm or momentum?

ERSBERG: “It’s always nice to have a little feel for the game when you come in, so that’s good.”