Everybody knows the story by know – Jonathan Quick, last year’s playoff MVP, had back surgery over the summer. So, there were many questions coming out of the lockout and into 2013 about his health, leaving many wondering if he’d be able to repeat the amazing numbers posted last season.
Through seven games, few questions have probably been answered.
He looked shaky in game one vs. the Chicago Blackhawks (as did most of his teammates, to be fair), then he was much better in game two vs. the Colorado Avalanche. After Quick showed flashes of brilliance for the Kings vs. Edmonton and Phoenix, allowing just two goals in each game, it looked like he may be returning to form.
But, soon thereafter, things started to become concerning. First, he just didn’t look like himself vs. the Nashville Predators last Thursday – especially in the third period and during the shootout.
Then, coach Darryl Sutter, who claimed to have only pulled his starting goalie about five times over the last 20 years, gave him the hook early vs. Anaheim – yanking Quick after he gave up two goals to the Ducks in the first few minutes.
Enter Jonathan Bernier, who hadn’t seen live NHL action in a long (LONG) time. Playing in his first Kings game since last March, LA’s back-up goalie made 17 saves on 21 shots playing behind a defense that was non-existant for most of the night.
While giving up four goals usually doesn’t get you a start in the next game, Quick’s .897 save percentage and 2.72 goals against average may have you at least thinking about going back to Bernier one more time.
So, if you were Sutter, who would you put in net vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow?
Poll closes at 9am PST on Tuesday, February 5.
For more on Bernier, check out this article that posted yesterday – he explains what’s going on with his new mask and why it looks so plain.
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Bernier, why not give him some time?
Quick
Give the Bern man a shot he deserves it.
Anyone here intersted in actually making the playoffs? I’ll take the current Conn Smythe trophy holder.
Maybe Quick needs more time off. I say give Bernier another chance to shake off the rust and prove why DL thinks he’s too valuable to trade.
Quick needs to get right back on the horse. Pull on Sat was a lesson meant for the whole team. Sutter couldn’t pull everybody so Quick was the Fall guy. should’nt mess with Quick’s head for too long, hopefully his back is not the issue.
Honestly after watching practice yesterday I’m kinda torn… They’re both great goalis but neither seemed on their game yesterday..
Quick is our #1 … back in the net for a win!
Why would anyone start their backup when the #1, who happens to be one or the top three in the world, is well rested?
Get Quick back in net so he can bounce back from the last game. I’m sure he wont be letting 2 goals on 3 shots anytime soon again.
Play Quick vs columbus, Bernier vs nashville (does well against them for some reason), then
Quick in the back-to-back games vs det Sunday afternoon, and st louis Monday night.
Yes no doubt that Quick is our #1 goalie, but give Bernier a shot. To show that he’s worth keeping & also to give Quick a rest. We’ll need Quick more than Bernier.
Quick is 2-7. I’m sure Benier would go at least .500
Bernier deserves some solid starts, maybe 20% of games.. But Quick needs to bounce back and Columbus is a good team to bounce back, get a shutout and prove hes back