Dancing in the Reign: Wishes For A Quick-Bernier Tandem Are Granted; Are We Playing With Fire?

We’ve got confirmation on the goalie situation. Don’t get technical, the “official announcement” has yet to be provided, but everyone knows. If you didn’t see Jonathan Bernier as a lock to make the Kings out of training camp this season, well, then I’m not sure of what plausible reasoning you could’ve provided to solidify your case. This isn’t a personal attack on you, Erik. The sudden reality of the Kings having a goalie tandem of Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier is astounding…yet has me worried. Who’s got me worried? Not the goalies, but Terry Murray.

Sure, you can pinpoint holes the Kings have on offense or defense, but let’s look at the bigger picture.. which is how fragile the goalie position can be. Here’s the difference between this year and last year between the pipes. Last season, we had an obvious indication to who was #1 and who was #2. This year, we’ve still got the #1, but we’ve got a highly touted prospect breathing down his neck. It’s the facts, people. Everyone, including Quick and Bernier, will always claim team success comes first, but realistically personal success cannot be tamed. It’s going to be a competition.

Now let’s throw Terry Murray into the mix. This is a new obstacle for him. For the majority of his tenure as Kings head coach, there’s been no question as for who to pencil in as the starting goalie. Did you expect Murray’s over-use of Jonathan Quick last season to be publicly criticized? Were you going to rally for Ersberg or something? The Swede had no chance, almost literally. Ersberg is as good as any average back-up in the league, but was not given opportunities to prove his worth. Quick’s starts were accepted by fans and media, a win was just another step for Quick, a loss was just another young goalie’s growing pains. Well, things are different now. How is Murray going to analyze Quick this year? Does a 1-3 start give Bernier the nod? Does he stick with Quick even if he struggles for a month? You’re playing games with the minds of two young goalie prospects here. Terry Murray must establish a plan for the two, as both are extremely vulnerable. Vulnerability with two good goaltenders is a great problem to have. One will find success elsewhere while sending talent our way via trade, and one will make a home in Los Angeles protected by a respected 2nd stringer.

Jonathan Quick deserves most, if not all of the playing time to start the season. Put Quick to the test like you did all last season, Terry. Bernier must, and will be given the call on a consistent, but not constant, basis. Quick needs to start the season with the confidence as the #1 goaltender, even if that means Terry Murray letting a couple of impressive Bernier starts go cold on the bench.

For a while Jonathan Quick was the clear-cut answer to be the Kings future goaltender. Is competition a good thing? Quick deserves more respect then fans will give him this year. Even if he continues impressive play in the #1 slot, he’s got legitimate future talent fighting to shine right behind him at all times, and every blunder will now be thoroughly analyzed, causing nonstop speculation. Remember, you never want too much of a good thing. I see a trade involving one of these two in the future. For now, celebrate what may possibly be the best goaltending duo in Los Angeles Kings History. Let’s hope it pays off in a positive manner. You may find my thoughts negative and/or pessimistic, but this is ultimately going to be a factor in the Kings success this season, and it is touchy.