alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />The word, after practice, from Terry Murray is that Jonathan Bernier will start in goal tomorrow and that Jonathan Quick will return Saturday and “next week.” Murray jumped in right away with “Quick is No. 1 goalie” before even being asked. Murray said the move allows him to give Quick a little extra practice time and allows him to get another look at Bernier after Tuesday’s shutout. More to come from practice…
Bio
Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He previously worked at the Los Angeles Daily News, was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar.
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word…
alright kid, show us what you can do versus a cup contender…
Ok, start the trade rumors! LOL!
Well this just got interesting folks!
Good call
Lets not get ahead of ourselves. Only reason Quick didn’t play lastnight is because of a back-to-back. Thats it.
Give Bernier the extra start, allowing Quick the extra time to prepare and reset.
Good move!
Such a good problem to have…….
@Tim, Quick on his way to Chicago,uncomfirmed sources ………
Let’s keep this civil.
Should be fun!
I can’t wait to see JB duke it out with JQ next year. When was the last time we had this scenario? Oh yeah, never!
@Little Willy, Ha! I heard Fro and Kopi with that packaged deal!.. oops brownie too
espn already has started the rumors…among others…
d.l. knows his way to…and through…san jose…
he has a great history of managing his goaltenders…
Van will be a good test for Bernier.
I love Quick but you’ve gotta go with a hot hand.
Good for Jones last night. No baddies.
@Tim, What are the chances of sneaking RATIS in there somehow…….helloooo….hellooo????
@variable, Except the fact that Kipper was the best of the bunch. Though I do trust him and I’m happy to have the problem of too much goaltending.
good move. see what he does against a team they could end up facing in 1st round. Quick is #1 but a little competition in net is good.
@variable,
But he unloaded the better one to Calgary
@20lucfan, I don’t think Vancouver is much more a cup contender than Nashville is. It’s not like he’s facing Washinton. That said, it still will be another tough test.
@Little Willy, well maybe that’s just a little to much to throw in there :)
Multiple good goalie options?? Is this really the Kings??
@Cristobal,
Completely agree on all points.
@Matt R, Next year???How about…ummm..As we speak!!!
@Cristobal, didn’t Jones almost cost Bernier the shutout last night with a bad clearing pass?
Yeah that makes a lot of sense
2 shutouts by Bernier but sorry Quick will be in nets
for the rest of the season
TM is a lost soul I am not saying Bernier is better or worse i am saying ALL coaches go with the hot hand
not TM !!!
@R.E.M. Murray,
yes…he did…but at the time, i can’t blame him for his reasoning…
If you get a shutout. You gat the next start.
If Bernier plays really well and the Kings win I think that Quick might have back spasms all of a sudden also.
@Little Willy, must be from Eklund…
@Tim, LOL!!! Can t blame a guy for trying!!lol
hmmm… should i pick up Bernie for my Fantasy team?
@iansez, and there’s 2 more behind them in Zatkoff and Jones.A very good thing.
@Steve McQueen,
yes…
@iansez,
In fact, our Kings have been replaced with the Kings from an alternate universe in which they are actually good (I think there’s only one). I feel bad for the other universe. They’re probably wondering why their teams suddenly sucks!
@oldthunder, shhhhhhhhh……walk away……
@Ed,
Exactly what I was thinking after the game last night. But what does TM do if JB gets another SO against Van? Hmmmm…
Good move to get Quick a little more rest. Jonathan Quick is the reason the Kings are headed into the playoffs… he just needed a break.
@shades,
Lol, I think you might be right!
@Matt R, haha! I picture Roman Chekmanek (sp?) flopping around with a conductors wand and the cheshire cat grinning from atop the net…;)
@Matt R,
he has two great options…make that 3, if ee comes back strong, but will we ever know…(?)…
but who carries 3 goalies come playoffs…?
no one…
not looking too far ahead but……assets is what this is all about.Bernier has always been the main prospect and if Quick has raised his value…all the better…When you have 2 assets for 1 position..you trade one for another asset that is needed….That is how you win….
@backchecker, LMAO!! Sad but true….
@Justin,
good call
@neil, Ditto!
Good call letting JB start
goalie is probably the one position in hockey that if you go down with an injury, you are not necessarily given back yr starter’s job…or even back up…
jb has given us a great glimpse of what he can do…
he was so unbelievably focused and calm in his first two outings, it’s hard to believe that we have two outstanding goalies…
think about it…:
we’ve gone…IN ONE SEASON…to having no goaltending…to two bonafide options…
wowow…:)
@shades, TERRY will give Bernier an offer he can t refuse!!! U broke my heart Bernie…u broke my heart!lol
Berube to AHL?
What happens if JB get’s another shutout against Vancouver?
@shades,
yeah…sully already used the fingernail excuse…
It’s always good to have a solid back up to push the #1.
@iansez, It’s CHOKEmanek, as I remember.
I agree with your original comment… Unbelievable, but wonderful!!
has anybody else seen or heard about this blog post on Quick:
http://www.viewfrommyseats.com/2010/03/how-to-lose-your-game-in-9-months/
Wow… Two pretty good young goalies! I wonder if Bernier and Quick get along. I’m sure Quick is worried that Bernier may take his job. Hey Rich, can you give us a little insight, if you can please?
@JB is King,
Worry about that if it happens. Until then, Bernier tomorrow, Quick on Saturday.
Don’t worry JQ, you are still #1. You helped the Kings to be at this position at this time. Just get some rest and try to refocus on the games. JB will do the job for you temporarily. Can’t wait to see you Kings at the playoffs. It’s about time.
@Matt R,
You are wrong, sir!
Garon VS Labarbera!
Cloutier VS Garon!
@iansez, Thats funny cuz i pictured the exact same thing but with Dan Cloutier.
@cefox17, You might have hit the nail on the head. Interesting read, and makes me wonder how other hockey players do after they have kids.
Goalie controversy? Kings? What? Wait a minute I think I inhaled too many fumes at the Paul McCartney concert last night! Last time we had a question as to who to should be our starter was……hmmmm…..uhhh…. wow!Coooool dudes! Like totally awesome!!!
I was going to post last night that I think Bernier should start against Vancouver. And that people might not like me saying that.
But I think Quick is a bit tired and could use a little rest. He may be what Murray calls our # 1 goaltender and these guys are expected to play 60 or so games a season but most #1’s are not as young as Quick and I think that makes a difference. So I for one am for this switch.
@frolovfan, and @JB is King, if Bernier gets another shutout, here’s what happens: Eklund’s head explodes, and he breathlessly reports that Bettman has ruled the trade deadline is waived for LA and LA will send Quick, JJ and a 2011 first rounder to New Jersey for Kovalchuk.
@khanon, This ain t no soap oprah!!!! kidding……
@Chris P. Bacon,
I stand corrected!
@oldthunder, that’s exactly what I have been wondering the last couple of games. I hope JB can give him some time to rest, and get back on track (mentaly)
Once more: Quick is not “tired.”
@variable,
True that no one carries three goalies, but there is a first time for everything, no matter how stupid it is.
@cefox17, Finally, a balanced treatment of the Quick issue.
@catman, agree, good move, JQ needs the work (practice), too many games, too much stress for a 22 year old.
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
Just not playing well lately possibly due to the Olympics, having a new baby and playing a LOT of games :)
@Chris P. Bacon,
None of the goalies you listed took us to the playoffs… so those goalie battles are irrelevant. this one is interesting because we’re actually a good team haha
@shades,
disagree, the canucks to me are definitely a cup contender.
Plenty of talent and quality netminding. Scary team.
@neil,
Sure you do you never want two quality goalies lol
I say you should take over for dean lombardi
WE will really be in trouble
Two good goalies is exactly what you need to win the cup and most games
Any hockey person will tell you that
this is great stuff
late season netminder controversy – whoda thunk?
keep the hot goalie in whoever that is after tomorrow.
maybe TM is playing an April Fools joke on Quick
@Matt R, The only difference those battles were for goalies that really never deserved to be starters in this league.
Cloutier’s career ended after the Lidstrom shot from the redline. DL biggest error as GM of the Kings…but the kings were desparate.
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, more like re..tired !!! lol
@cefox17, I found that post while I was reading something else on Wyshinski’s blog this afternoon. I know from talking with the other season ticket holders I sit beside, that we’ve all noticed the difference in the level of play from Quick. It’s both interesting and scary to see the actual stats behind his play since becoming a father.
I agree that i hope the rest he is getting is what he needs to help get his head clear and ready for the Playoffs.
I’m also eager to see JB play in person again. The last time was earlier this year in the preseason.
GO KINGS GO!
There’s no controversy. Quick is the #1.
The controversy will begin if Bernier handles Vancouver like he did Nashville.
IMHO, You ride that damn donkey until he bucks you off!!!
I can easily see EE getting traded over the summer now. We have a nice problem here. It’s about time.
@kozak,
Isn’t it!!! I’ll take it over what we’ve had to play with in the past.
JB until the team loses (see: loss to NYR in october on 4 game win streak with EE getting the start)
@R.E.M. Murray, ummm…I believe it was Doug Wilson who traded a goalie to Calgary…not D.L..I think.
@Steve McQueen,
as did JJ.
@House,
Vancouver is not significantly better than Nashville. Although they do scare Kings fans (including me) more than most teams.
@Cynic,
oh yeah Ersberg is done…we kinda knew that after JB performance in Dallas
last night’s zero goals against was confirmation.
@backchecker,
If Bernier wins again, I would be surprised if he didn’t get the next one too.
@variable,
Yes, seems like that alternate universe someone above wrote. I’m just sitting back enjoying a 2 good goalies “problem”.
Is this the Kings team I’m used to seeing? Hell no!!! The team did indeed play better in front of Bernier, not like the nervous and confused looking team in front of Quick recently.
Maybe they felt like they had to protect Bernier more and were getting too comfortable with Quick, so they stepped up their game? I don’t know, but that was a much different team out there than the one I saw at Staples Saturday.
@Steve McQueen,
But he also got Bernier the win with a great play on the winning goal
Terry Murray is going to say what he’s going to say, but that won’t stop him from saying, “when a player plays like that, he forces my hand.”
@backchecker,
Bernier only has one shutout you guys…
@Cynic,
Ersberg who???
It’s a wonderful problem to be stuck with. It can only be good for the Kings!
@Quisp, agreed. In fact TM should play each goaltender until they lose, then the other one goes in. You wanna play, you gotta WIN.
@Deadmarsh, and @Quisp–both right, and TM would be right in making that call. I want two hungry goaltenders at this time of the year.
…in other words, TM wants to make sure Bernier’s shutout wasn’t a fluke.
Call Quick whatever you feel you must, TM, in order to keep the peace. Just don’t call him to start the game while Bernier is on top of his game.
@variable,
Cool, huh!
@kyle, wooul much rather sign Patrick Marleau if we can. he is a much better 2 way player then kovi. and,just ta top it off,sign Willie Mitchell, one of the best shut down defenseman in the league and sit back and watch duck fans head explode !
@House, Vancouver pretty much has their division locked up, although the second seed can be theirs for the taking. They’ve got the best home record in the league so I’d hate to see the Kings play them in the first round.
@shades, The points between Nashville and Vancouver are only two 96-94 but Nashville has 214 GF and 214 GA while Vancouver has 248 GF and 196 GA. Vancouver has scored more goals than any other team in the Western Conference. I’d say they are a much better team.
@Quisp,
And maybe TM is hoping Bernier calls his hand and beats the Nucks. What a nice problem for TM to have, eh?
I don’t know if Quick is tired or distracted or if his technique was figured out by shooters, but I do see these differences in his game since the first half of the season.
Stickhandling has gone to “….” He used to be a decent puck-handler, and still can be, but the level of miscues and their frequency is way up. Absolutely kills team spirit, the deflation is totally evident after giveaways.
Poke-check has become way overused and is begun when the shooter is too far away; he telegraphs it and increases the “do-or-die” factor of the move itself by giving the shooter more time and space to counter it.
Too busy- remember when they used to say that he was so athletic it could hurt him? The “happy-feet” quotes, etc. Lately, he is reacting ealrier than the action, he drops early, overcommits sliding side to side and has taken himself out of the play.
Lunging/flopping- Somehow, very often each game, he ends up laying on his stomach with his glove hand 12 inches off the ice and his head pointing at the shooter. He ends up covering the LEAST amount of net possible in goal-mouth scrambles, instead of staying “big” and maintaining an upright position. He is going for the freeze of the puck, but too much and too early.
I think that is the actual undercurrent, or subtext, in Murray saying Bernier’s start will give Quick practice time. Very bad tendencies are turning into habits, and like Barney Fife used to say, “Nip it, nip it in the bud!”
Lethal weapons! Tick-a-lock.
@backchecker, and who is any “hockey person” that will tell you that….i could say a random comment too…. such as “any general manager would tell you having two assests are good so you can trade one” so what you are saying when Schenn comes up and we have too many centers..you dont trade one?? Or you dont trade any of the other goalies in the minors?? That is what trading is all about….extra assetsa for needed assets….
@Matt R,
If Bernier gets another shutout, then I have to quote Crash Davis.
“you don’t. you never, Frak with a winning streak.”
The right decision all around.
You WOULD say that, Bernier! But I agree.
@Cristobal, after he wins at least 3 in a row, then you can talk about a hot hand.
@Matt R, He should continue with Bernier until…….. Then Quick would have gotten a good rest and practices.
@backchecker, I agree with you, when I was younger I was a backup in the WIHL and the IHL. Some folks just don’t think things through.
It is say too early but this goalie Bernier reminds me of the Duck goalie when they made the Stanley Cup Finals the first time. Very similar. Very sound. Quick is ok and shows flashes of talent. So time will tell.
@Quisp,
ditto..
@tantrum4,
no kidding what about the one tomorrow night vs Vancouver and then he is gone now do you get the point tantrum4
what makes me think TM is a poor coach is he trapped himself
now even if bernier has a shut out what will he do on saturday
after his comment that quick starts very silly
Whatever it is, he’s not “tired.”
@Player-X,
Nice analysis….
@Chris P. Bacon, If the kings want to win they should play Bernier. Quick is cooked
@cefox17,
nice read…and good perspective…
I’m dating myself but the Kings thought they would have this problem with Healy and Fitzpatrick but we traded Fitz for some guy named Hrudey. Many thought we traded away our future (funny thing is that both Healy and Fitz ended up playing for the Isle).
@NOW IMPRESSED, Then how does one explain why they have only 2 points more in a weaker division?