In command?

Jonathan Bernier’s three games last season — all victories — were colored by Bernier’s impressive poise and ability to control the puck at all times. Bernier always seemed square to the puck and absorbed most shots, not allowing many rebounds, or at least not into prime areas. So while Bernier has been statistically fine in his three games — 2.68 goals-against average, .910 save percentage — he didn’t seem to have his usual command against Chicago. The Blackhawks’ second goal, in particular, was a result of a rebound that Bernier let fall loose in the crease. Bernier explained that he didn’t see the initial point shot and had to react quickly, but Terry Murray brought up the goal today when asked about Bernier’s three-goal, 25-save effort last night.

MURRAY: “I didn’t like the second goal. That’s not his game. Rebound control is something he has built his game on. I went to Manchester and saw three playoff games last year and he was real good there, in that look. There were two or three opportunities where I thought the goalie had to absorb the puck. The goal, and there was another play after that in our zone, where it was just an easy play to the net and the puck kicks off him. It was on the penalty kill, actually. And you play another 35, 40 seconds in your end because of that. It’s right there. That’s not him. But he made some big stops. He played well. There were just a couple situations where maybe long stretches between games becomes a part of that, but that’s a process you have to go through as a young goalie. You have to get through it. I’ve said this before. You’ve got to get through it. You’ve got to be sharp and ready to go. This is the National Hockey League, so you need your `A’ game.”