POLL: LA Kings Player of the Week - 3.5.2012

It's Monday, so we're back with another edition of 'King of the Week' - a poll we run in conjunction with All the Kings Men podcast.

You can listen to this week's show in the player below, I cover the LA Kings' week that was and Buddy Oakes from Preds On The Glass checks in with a Nashville Predators report (the Kings next opponent). Plus, for added fun, everybody's favorite wisecracker The Royal Half also makes a guest appearance.



As discussed during the above podcast, here are the three Kings players nominated this week:

Jonathan Bernier - first star of the game vs Wild, shutout, 15 saves

Dustin Brown - two goals, two assists, plus-1, 10 hits

Jeff Carter - two goals, plus-1, nine shots on goal (including a team leading five SOG vs Anaheim)

Of course, if you don't like any of those choices, feel free to nominate your own...



Voting ends Wednesday night at 8pm PST.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Flyers Ian Laperriere on the newest King, Jeff Carter

Jim Fox talks Dustin Brown trade rumors - do the Kings want to move him?

Talking LA Kings trade rumors with goalie Jonathan Bernier

Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash

To properly understand the argument that the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter over Rick Nash, first requires an open mind. Second, fans of any of the players mentioned below are encouraged to follow along using more of their minds and less of their hearts. This isn't about who is a nicer guy, which player is a fan favorite or anything else. This is about cold, hard distribution of company assets.

Conventional wisdom is that the Kings' two best trade chips from their current NHL roster would be Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier (trading either comes with its own risk, as reviewed previously in an article here). That's not saying either guy needs to be traded.  It simply means to get something of value, they need to give up something of value.  Both players are hot commodities around the league - so, it's a compliment to who and what they are.

To get Nash out of Columbus, it's believed the Kings would have to give up both players, plus possibly Dustin Brown and another draft pick or prospect. That's a huge gamble on one player and would the Kings really be better off for it? They will have lost one of their best defensemen - arguably, their best defenseman this season - plus a top-six forward and added only one player in return.

Nash supporters will argue he isn't 'only' a player, he's a superstar (or at the very least a superstar in waiting). Yes, he's averaged 35 goals per year over the last seven seasons. And, yes, he's been able to do much of that without having linemates nearly as talented as somebody like Anze Kopitar.

However, nabbing the best guy from the worst team has long been one of the riskiest trades in sports. Stats are inflated in those environments. Guys are rarely, if ever, able to duplicate those numbers after moving to higher echelon teams.

Talking LA Kings trade rumors with goalie Jonathan Bernier

Bernier at practice today (photo: D. Sheehan)

As we wrote about earlier today, trading goalie Jonathan Bernier is a risky proposition for the LA Kings when you consider that starter Jonathan Quick can be a walk-away free agent in less than 18 months.

However, he remains one of the key assets likely to move in any big deal that GM Dean Lombardi may swing for a top line sniper. So, after practice today, we spoke about what it's like to continually hear your name in trade speculation at this time of year...

"I just can't control anything," Bernier began. "So, I've been going day by day and that's what I've been doing all year. It's in management's control and if Dean finds that he wants to trade me, then he'll trade me."

When Bernier checked in with MayorsManor over the summer he talked about wanting to play in LA, but realizing that he might have to leave to reach his ultimate goal of being a starter in the NHL. And that's the same dilemma he's facing at the moment.

"I'm a competitive guy and I want to play as much as possible. Right now, I don't have the playing time that I'd wish (for)," Bernier said. "But, Quickie's been outstanding this year and that's the way it goes, I guess. But, I would like to play more. If it's here, then it's here. If it's somewhere else, it's somewhere else."

Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings

In less than two weeks, most fans will turn their attention back to the action on the ice. For now, it seems all everybody wants to talk about are trade rumors. Who's leaving, who's staying, what would it cost to get this guy or that guy?

Here's a quick recap of the five things in play for the Kings at the moment:

- One of the most valuable assets the Kings have to bargain with is Jonathan Bernier. He's a young goalie, former first round pick and (in limited action) appears to be everything you can build a franchise around. However, trading him away is also one of the riskiest moves GM Dean Lombardi can make. Jonathan Quick is an unrestricted free agent next summer (July 2013) and he's an east coast guy. Would he rather play for a team closer to home? Also, his career numbers are almost identical to Nashville's Pekka Rinne - who recently signed a seven year deal for $7-million per. Can the Kings afford to pay him that much? Trading Bernier now increases Quick's leverage in negotiations down the road and exposes the Kings if he was to walk away in a year.  Even so, as risky as it is, he's likely moving if Lombardi can land a sniper in a return. Any deal like that though would need to include other players because, with as talented as Bernier may be, he's still only played 43 games in the NHL. And you're not getting a top line forward straight up for a guy with 'potential.'

- If Bernier was to leave in a trade, expect the Kings to get a veteran back-up in return (either via that same deal or a separate one). It's highly unlikely you'll see either Manchester goalie as Quick's understudy come playoff time.

LA Kings coach Sutter opens up on his plans for Bernier

Bernier at practice (photo: David Sheehan)

Goalie Jonathan Bernier has started just eight of the Kings' 48 games last year. However, it's not his 3-4-1 record that is holding him back from getting more playing time - it's starter Jonathan Quick, who is posting such incredible numbers that he's starting to generate discussions about being a possible Vezina Trophy candidate.

So, what does all this mean for Bernier? After all, by this time last year, Bernier had already made 13 starts.

After practice today, coach Darryl Sutter was asked if there's been any message to Bernier, in terms of staying prepared?

"That's his job," said Sutter. "We have one season that's done on Monday or Tuesday (referring to the upcoming break in the NHL schedule for the All Star Game). Then, another one starts a week after that. That's the only way I look at it. I'm not about anything other than getting the max out of everybody. If the players have to stay ready and sharp in practice, that's going to be there problem, not mine. He's been fine though, he's been awesome. What more do you want? Obviously he probably wants to play more. But, it's about winning games right now. We're in a playoff battle. When he goes in, he better look at like it's game seven."

Do you have a rough plan for the goalie rotation?

"I think everybody that has an ace does that or tries to. But, very seldom does that hold. Especially in a year where our team gets a seven day break. So, that's what you have to try and manage. Quite honestly, we have 32 games left after the break and we have six back to backs and a lot of road games. So, you have to think that he's going to play more than he did in the first 50 (games)."

Last year, Bernier had a 5-8 record at this point and in five of those games he gave up four or more goals. In a previous interview, Bernier told us that it took him the first half of the season to feel comfortable in Los Angeles (interview here). One would have to agree with his assessment too, considering he posted a 6-0-3 record after the All Star break, including three shutouts.

Can he do it again?

The Mayor
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VIDEO: Face Paint with LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick

Below is a short video that covers a lot of ground, as Kings goalie Jonathan Quick talks about three of his masks - the traditional black and silver one he wears most games, the 'Rogie Vachon' model worn with the purple and yellow vintage jerseys and the Team USA mask he took to the Olympics in 2010.

Check it out...

For more articles on Kings goaltenders and their masks, click here to read an article about Jonathan Bernier's lid being selected as tops in the NHL and click here for a sneak peek we gave earlier this year to prospect JF Berube's new design (and one of the sharpest looking masks you'll see).

The Mayor
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Dustin Brown on Ovechkin and how to beat the Capitals

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (photo: M. Zampelli)

With the Capitals in town for a game against the Kings tonight, it's one of those rare opportunities to see Alex Ovechkin on the West Coast. Although he's played over 500 games in the NHL, only six of them have come against the Kings - split evenly, with three on the road and three at home.

He has six points in those six games (two goals and four assists), with both goals coming in DC. Even so, Kings captain Dustin Brown sounded like a man with a plan when asked for his memories of playing the Capitals in the past and to share any thoughts on the game tonight...

"It's always exciting when you have a player like Ovechkin coming in," began Brown. "He's one of the premier players in the league. We don't play him very often. We've always played really good defense (vs the Caps in the past) and that's why we've been successful against them. They're pretty high-powered offensively. If we can just make them play defense - they don't like doing that. I think that's how we won last time. Ovechkin scored on the very first shift in Washington and we didn't really give up any chances after that, and we dominated the game. So, we need to key in on a couple of their players and make sure we're really good defensively."

The game last year Brown referenced was won by the Kings 4-1. Jonathan Bernier was in net that day and only faced 23 shots. Coach Darryl Sutter is giving him the start again tonight.

As for Brown's individual performance vs. the Capitals, he has one goal in seven career games - and it came at home on November 20, 2008.

The Mayor
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LA Kings players on the teammate they're most thankful for

Throughout the U.S. today, people are supposed to be spending time with friends and family, celebrating the things they're thankful for.

Inside the Kings locker room, here's what a few of the players had to say when asked which teammate they were most thankful for this year - and why...

Drew Doughty - "Greener (Matt Greene) because my first year here he kind of took me under his wing, let me move in with him. I lived with him that whole first year. Then, ever since, he's always helped me with any little thing I need."

Kevin Westgarth - "I'd say Rob Scuderi because you can always depend on him."

Alec Martinez - "Mike Richards. Coming in here, I can't imagine it's very easy getting used to a new system and playing with new guys. But, obviously, he's done really well. He's scored some big goals for us. He also does a lot of things that go unnoticed too - maybe not by us, but maybe they're kinda easy to lose track of during a fast paced game. So, I'd definitely say Mike Richards. He's a great player, but he's a good guy in the locker room too."

Halloween costume pics, stories from the LA Kings party

On Tuesday, October 25, it may have been some other players dressed up as the Kings - because coach Terry Murray's team just didn't look like themselves in a 3-0 loss at home to New Jersey.

A few nights earlier, the Kings did actually trade in their sweaters for a variety of different costumes at the team's annual Halloween party.

In something that sounds more like a joke - but it's the truth - the big winners of the night were Simon Gagne and his wife, who dressed up like clowns. "They really went all out," said forward Trevor Lewis and defenseman Matt Greene called the pair "awesome."

Apparently, it was so good they won the 'award' for best dressed - a small 'Emmy-like trophy' according to Jarret Stoll.

Several players commented they also liked Rob Scuderi's choice of outfits (he and his wife came as Duff Man and Marge Simpson). Another popular get up was worn by captain Dustin Brown, who came as one of the tight clothed officers from Comedy Central's Reno 911.

However, the always sharp dressed Stoll had high praise for an unlikely forward, one who barely ever shows a personality to the media and is known for being a man of very (and I mean VERY) few words.

Jarret Stoll - LA Kings players were 'fed up' with things

With two assists last night, Jarret Stoll doubled his output for the season...and reached a milestone, his 300th NHL point.

It was a 'team win,' with four different players scoring goals and several guys having breakout performances.

After the game, Stoll shared a few thoughts...

On the overall game - "We played a little bit desperate. We knew we had to stop this before it got out of control. We needed to work hard, be determined, be first on loose pucks, play with an attitude and be a little bit mad out there. I think we were that tonight. You could see on the offensive side of the puck we were jumping, we were first on loose pucks, we were getting pucks back to the net - therefore, they were back on their heals a little bit. That's kind of what we've been doing the last couple of weeks, we've been on our heals. I think tonight we were on our toes, we were jumping and we were getting our feet going."

Murray concerned about Bernier, but he 'sucked it up'

Jonathan Bernier has played twice as many games against the Nashville Predators as he has versus any other NHL team - including starting all four games between the Kings and Predators last season, posting a 3-1-0 record with a 2.25 goals-against average.

This season, Bernier was off to another slow start, losing the only two games coach Terry Murray had put him in for. But, not anymore.

Bernier picked up his first win of the season last night, giving up three goals - including a power play goal - yet, holding on for a 4-3 victory.

After the game, Murray evaluated his performance...

"I was a little concerned at the start of the game, we had a two-nothing lead and the next thing you know it's (tied) two-two. I would have liked to seen something (from him) on that second shot, the second goal that the scored, on the short side [note: that was the power play goal from Craig Smith]. But, I looked at it again on the replay and it was a heck of a shot. So, I really think he sucked it up after that and he made some big stops as they started to give it a push."

Bernier stopped 27 of the 30 shots he faced and lowered his season total to 3.37 goals against. He'll most likely be back to the sidelines for the next few games - with his probable next start coming in about a week when the Kings play a home-and-home series, on back-to-back nights, versus the Anaheim Ducks.

If you missed Dustin Penner's post-game comments, click here now to read thoughts from the big left wing following his best game as a King.

Also, quotes from the Predators locker room - including thoughts from Smith, coach Barry Trotz and more - can be found here.

The Mayor
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Nashville Predators at Kings - pregame primer and contest

It's the third game in four night for the Kings and things won't be any easier than they have been recently.

Jonathan Bernier needs his first win of the season. Drew Doughty and Dustin Penner need their first goals. Anze Kopitar needs some help. Terry Murray needs to see a sign of life from his club that extends beyond the random 10-minute stretches he's seen of late. GM Dean Lombardi needs all of the above and more.

Bottom line, LA needs a victory...badly.

Here's a few pregame notes to get you ready for tonight's action...

- Bernier: When a goalie has only played 34 games in the NHL it's hard to talk about his 'best numbers,' but here something stands out. Bernier has played five games vs. the Preds, going 4-1 with a 1.80 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. If you like trends, take note that Bernier has also posted a .98 goals-against on Tuesdays - his only day of the week with a number under 2.00. Three of his four career shutouts have been on...yes, Tuesdays.

What I've learned so far... by Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier

Goalie Jonathan Bernier (photo: C. Ikiri)

Sorry ladies, he's off the market now. Kings goaltender Jonathan Bernier was recently engaged, so he still has plenty to learn in the coming years.

A happy wife is a happy life - that's all I'm saying JB.

However, at the rink and around his teammates he's already picked up on a few things so far this season.

For starters, he learned that Terry Murray doesn't change his mind easily. The Kings' coach went through with his plan to play Bernier vs. New Jersey last week, even though many in the media and plenty of fans thought he was crazy for resting Jonathan Quick after he shutout three straight opponents.

Murray offered up his reasons here. Yet, that logic didn't seem to fly with most people, including former Kings coach Barry Melrose - who told NHL Live he would have never made such a move, regardless of what was told to a player ahead of time.

As for some other nuggets of info he's learned over the past month or so, here's what Bernier he had to say...

About Dustin Brown - "He's the type of guy you call a 'nerd.' He likes computers and all that electronic stuff. I always knew he was kind of like that. But, then we went to Europe, I sat with Brownie and we chatted a bit. Now I know for sure."

About Simon Gagne - "He seems quiet, but he's a pretty funny guy. It's great to have another French guy on the team too. It's nice to make jokes that somebody actually really understands!"

Bernier's mask rated tops in NHL, but he's changing soon?

Former NHL goaltender Kevin Weekes, now an analyst on just about every station that covers hockey, selected his top five goalie masks of the season yesterday.

Low and behold, coming in at number one was the Kings' Jonathan Bernier.

The mask was painted by DaveArt and there are multiple shots of the mask, similar to the one at the left, posted here.

Weekes associated the lion on top of the mask with royalty (which is true), yet Bernier also has a lion tattoo on his left arm - and it was always on his mask in Manchester as well.

Earlier today, I asked Bernier why he wears his old mask during practice and only breaks out the new black, silver and white one for games.

"I've been doing that because I wear plastic protection on my practice mask," said Bernier. "I just don't really like to wear that in games though. So, that's why I have two helmets. People notice it because (my practice mask) is purple from last year. But, instead of making another one just for practice, I figured I'd wear that one."

LA Kings at Colorado Avalanche - what to watch for

Today's will be just the second back-to-back series of the season for LA...and, unfortunately, they'll be doing it at high altitude.

On the plus side, the Kings have dominated the Avs of late - winning eight of the last nine games, including five straight and the last three in Denver.

Colorado's home record is also one of the key story lines, as their 6-4 record this season features six wins on the road (tops in the NHL) and not a single win at home in four tries.

Here are some other things to watch for...

- Left Wing Stats: Who would have ever thought that after 10 games, Scott Parse would have more goals than Dustin Penner?

- Richie, not Ricky: Brad Richardson, a former Avs draft pick (2003, fifth round), loves to play against his old team.  Last season, he had a hat trick in Denver and has seven points in nine games lifetime vs. Colorado. Don't be surprised to see him spend a little time on the top line with Anze Kopitar.

Terry Murray's quotes on Bernier from post-game presser

Following tonight's 3-0 loss to the Devils, Kings coach Terry Murray said the following in his post-game presser...

(Overall game recap): “Tonight is about turnovers. All three goals that New Jersey scored ended up being plays that we had possession of the puck and we just don’t execute and then they come right back at us and they’re scoring. The bottom line again is that your best players on New Jersey – take a look at the scoresheet -- they’re the guys that determine the outcome of the game. We need to do better. Our best players need to be better players in order to win games in this league. We’re just not on top of them.”

(Play of Jonathan Bernier): “Bernier was fine. Bernier I thought made some big stops. We gave up some quality chances in the first period. He played well. This was not about the goaltending. This is all about managing the puck and turnovers and giveaways that ended up being very easy goals against."

(On Bernier's confidence after another loss): "As a young goaltender, you're always on top of and watching closely how his mechanics are and how aggressive he is in his play. Over the course of time, he's always shown me the ability to deal with what's going on."

(On any possible regrets about staring Bernier) "You can dissect this whole thing any way you want."

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Coach Murray explains why he went with Bernier over Quick

Coach Murray and Slava Voynov compare notes

Coach Murray helps close the loop on Brad Richardson
 

New Jersey Devils at LA Kings - what to watch for

LA comes into the game with a 5-1-1 record, including wins in four straight and both of their games at Staples Center this season.

New Jersey is 3-2-1, splitting the two games they've played on the road.

Here are some things to watch for tonight...

- Goaltending: The Devils lost future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur when these two teams met up a few weeks ago. Johan Hedberg will fill in for New Jersey. He has a 2.24 goals-against average and .923 save percentage in five games played. The Kings will counter will Jonathan Bernier, making just his second start of the season. Terry Murray explained why he's resting Jonathan Quick in an article here.

- Dustin Penner: Contract year. Those two words alone should equal plenty of points. So far, they don't. In five games played - well, four and some change, considering he sat out of most of the game in Philly after a first period fight - he has one lonely assist to show for his efforts. All of LA's other top-six forwards have at least one goal and four points.

- Ilya Kovalchuk: Until he retires, he'll probably be the one player to never wear a Kings jersey who will forever be linked to the Kings franchise. GM Dean Lombardi's pursuit of the Russian sniper didn't end well last summer and it left a bad taste in the mouth of many people. Ultimately, it may have worked out better for LA. However, he's not expected to get a warm welcome by the home crowd tonight. Kovalchuk was also credited with the game winner when the Kings and Devils met in third game of the season.

Game time is 7:30pm PST.

As usual, we will be running our first goal contest tonight too. If you'd like a chance at winning a free t-shirt from Glass Bangers, simply reply below with the name of the Kings player you think will score the first goal for LA tonight.

Entering is easy, you can even use your facebook profile.

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Jonathan Bernier on coach Murray's goaltending plans for the LA Kings

Terry Murray explains his reasons for going with Bernier vs. the Devils

Where has the shot mentality been in the third period?  - Murray tries to explain

POLL:  Did Murray make the right call by resting Quick vs. New Jersey

Summertime chat with Jonathan Bernier - what he's been up to

POLL: Did coach Murray make the right call on Bernier?

The lively debate continues among LA Kings fans - who should start in goal?

Coming into this season, coach Terry Murray said he would ride the 'hot hand,' rather than follow a penciled in schedule. Which is part of the reason today's announcement caught some people off guard, Jonathan Bernier will be in goal Tuesday night vs. the Devils.

With four games scheduled this week, including back-to-back games on Saturday (at Phoenix) and Sunday (at Colorado), how would you have set up the goaltending rotation?

Would Jonathan Quick, coming off three straight shutouts, get the call again tomorrow night? Would Bernier play against Phoenix on Thursday?  Or possibly over the weekend?

Pretend you were the head coach for a minute and select your answer from the options below.



Poll closes Tuesday at 6pm PST.

If you missed Murray's explanation for going with Beriner tomorrow night against New Jersey, click here to read today's post-practice article.

The Mayor
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Kings coach Murray explains why Bernier will start vs NJ Devils

The biggest news item from today's morning practice was that Kings coach Terry Murray will put Jonathan Bernier in net vs. the New Jersey Devils tomorrow night at Staples Center.

Regular starter, Jonathan Quick, is riding a three game shutout streak - the longest in team history - having just defeated the Blues, Coyotes and Stars.

Why the change? Here's what Murray had to say about the decision for Tuesday, his conversations with both goalies and what he's thinking about doing next weekend vs. Phoenix and Colorado...

On why Bernier will start - "It's a decision I made a couple of days ago. I let Bernie know at the Saturday skate because I wanted to get him prepared and I knew Sunday was going to be a day off. I wanted him to have an opportunity to get himself ready and today he got a good workout in. We have a lot of games coming up and right now the schedule starts getting pretty busy. We have three Conference games right after New Jersey. So, it's an opportunity to get him going."

On interrupting Quick's streak -"I made the decision before the game and I'm not going to change that. I've talked to Bernie about it, I've talked with Quicker about it....that's the way it is."

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - October 24, 2011

It wasn't a good week for the slew of goaltending prospects throughout the Kings organization.

First off, in LA, Jonathan Quick kept Jonathan Bernier from getting any playing time - especially after posting three straight shutouts.

In the AHL, things went south for the Kings' top two prospects in Manchester. After giving up a total of five goals in his first four starts, Martin Jones gave up four goals on Wednesday night and another five on Friday. Ouch! Jeff Zatkoff fared only slightly better, giving up three goals in a 4-2 loss yesterday.

Down in the ECHL, JF Berube - who was looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-4 loss on opening night a week ago - was back in the net for Friday's game in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he gave up another four goals and the Ontario Reign lost 4-1.

Here's a quick look at several of the Kings' other top prospects...