Bernier gets the call against Phoenix

After practice today, Terry Murray made the somewhat-surprising announcement that he would start Jonathan Bernier in goal, rather than Jonathan Quick, for tomorrow night’s game against Phoenix. I’ll stress the word “somewhat,” both because Quick did not look sharp on Monday against Detroit — he was pulled in the third period after giving up six goals — and because he hasn’t fared particularly well against the Coyotes this season. Quick has faced Phoenix three times, has a 1-3 record and 13 goals in 10-and-a-half periods. Here’s what Murray said today, starting with the question of how much Quick’s game against Detroit had to do with his decision to start Bernier tomorrow…

MURRAY: “It has just about everything to do with the last game. That’s how I make my decisions. I’ve got to see performance. If I’m seeing something with a player — as you know, in my decisions — at any time, I’ll take a player out if he’s not performing, or having a real difficult day. So, it doesn’t change there.”

Of course, in general, not many Kings had strong efforts against the Red Wings, and they got plenty of work in practice today after yesterday’s off day.

MURRAY: “February was a very demanding time for us, physically and probably more on the mental, emotional side of the game. That’s why I gave the day off (yesterday). We gave a huge push. It was a tremendous month. A lot of big games in tough buildings, put some points on the board. We needed the day away from all of us, the rink. Just to not have to put the equipment on is a good thing. I saw good energy today, focus. That’s what I wanted, and we’ll get ready for the game tomorrow.”