The plane ride to Dallas is going to be a little less stressful after the Kings picked up a win last night vs. the visiting Edmonton Oilers.
Now comes the tough part though. Who starts in goal for the next two games? The Kings are scheduled for back-to-back games on Monday-Tuesday, so more than likely each goalie will get one start. Before answering the question, consider the following:
* Earlier in the season coach Terry Murray said his preference was to play Quick vs. the division opponents. He’s deviated from that twice. In mid-November Jonathan Bernier lost in San Jose and then beat the Ducks in LA the day after Christmas.
* Jonathan Quick has struggled against St. Louis this year – giving up eight goals in two games and finishing with save percentages of .833 and .857.
* Quick has had four straight games with save percentages under .900. However, in two games this season vs. Dallas he’s given up three goals total and won both games.
* Bernier has started on the road seven times this year. His only victory was a 6-1 win at Nashville on December 18. He did look good last night though, holding the Oilers to two just goals.
* Bernier has faced Dallas only one time prior. Last March he beat the Stars 2-1 in a shootout – in Dallas.
Should Murray stick with the likely plan and play Quick vs. Dallas and Bernier vs. St. Louis? Or should he stick with the winning line-up from Saturday and keep Bernier in net vs. the Stars? What would you do?
[UPDATE: Poll closed early. After practice today Murray announced Bernier will start tomorrow night in Dallas. He wants to stick with the hot hand…even though the majority of voters below feel differently.]
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