Dancing in the Reign: Talking Terry Murray’s Goalie Decisions

As you may have heard earlier today, Terry Murray has decided to start Jonathan Bernier for the second consecutive game. This, with a healthy Jonathan Quick on the bench. You’d be crazy not to describe Bernier’s two starts as impressive, or even stellar. He’s a great goaltender, and has proved he is capable of shutting down NHL opponents. I’m not here to criticize Murray’s decision for tomorrow night, but to explain why I’ve been miffed at his decisions regarding the goaltender spot this entire season.

There’s always talk about fatigue hitting goaltenders late in the season. Don’t tell me Quick’s recent struggles have had nothing to do with this. He’s played 68 games, c’mon now. Here’s the bottom line folks; Terry Murray has overplayed Jonathan Quick. Now, he could have avoided this quite easily. Erik Ersberg just never saw any ice. Why? Personally, I feel Murray gauged too much on Ersberg’s early season loss at New York; His first start of the season. You could tell post-game Murray was rattled he sat his hot starter. That was the breaking point, Ersberg never earned back the trust. His starts were few and far between, and against questionable opponents.

As the season went on, you got the drift that Murray just didn’t feel comfortable playing Erik Ersberg. You might say “he didn’t need to”. Yes, he did. There are plenty of opponents Ersberg is capable of starting against. Well, this drift was all but clinched when Jonathan Bernier was called up and immediately given the start; Ahead of Ersberg. Zing. Bernier won, and in spectacular fashion. I did not agree with Murray’s decision; Completely stomped on any confidence Ersberg still had. Afterward, Bernier was sent down. Back to Quick and Ersberg.

Now, since Erik Ersberg is still day-to-day with a strained back, we’ve got Jonathan Bernier starting in place of Jonathan Quick for the second consecutive game. Now he’s starting over Quick. And why? Someone looks a little tired. I don’t completely buy Murray’s explanation on Quick needing more practice. He needs rest. Now, we’ve got this highly touted prospect who may, just may, ruffle the confidence of Jonathan Quick a bit. And who knows? Is there a chance Bernier stays with the team into the playoffs? If not, will Ersberg get a start if healthy? There’s a whirlwind of questions and speculations going on right now, I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on the goalie situation at hand.