2010/2011 Los Angeles Kings: Is This the Real Jonathan Quick?

Over the summer, many Kings fans got used to hearing all about how the team wasn't happy with Jon Quick's performance in the playoffs against Vancouver. 

Maybe he didn't care as much as he should have? 

Maybe he just didn't want to play? 

I don't think either of those possibilities warrant any investigation. 

The truth lies in the fact that Jon played 72 Games last year.  I think that if you asked most coaches in the league, they would tell you that they would like to see about 60 games out of their number one guy.  72 games is crazy! 

I think that Terry Murray knows that, but he did what any coach would do in the heat of a playoff race.  He played his number one guy. 

Fast-forward to the playoffs last year, and you have a guy in Jon Quick who looks tired and worn out from all the playing time. 

This isn't a knock on Erik Ersberg (who I happen to really like), but Terry Murray needed to go with the guy that could get the job done for the Kings. 

Heading into this season, there really wasn't any doubt that Ersberg wouldn't be with the Kings this year.  The back-up job was Jonathan Bernier's to lose.  This guy has proven everything at the AHL level.  He was touted "the best goalie NOT playing in the NHL." 

Los Angeles Kings brass is really hoping that Bernier pans out for this team.  They used a high first round draft pick on him. 

If you look at the 2006 NHL Entry draft, there really isn't anyone that stands out after Bernier.  It appeared to be a no brainer to pick this kid!  Now he is going to get his shot as Quick's back-up for the 2010/2011 season. 

I'll be honest. I was one of the people that predicted that Bernier would overtake Quick as the Kings' number one goalie.  That being said, I didn't think it would happen until about December. 

Quick has been incredibly quick to silence his critics this season.  I was at the opening game in Vancouver, and he was incredibly sharp.  His pads were looking stellar, and his play was the same.  Not only did he make a few key stops in the game, he also managed to not let in a weak goal (something that has become somewhat of a custom with Quick).  He played really well in Vancouver. 

The next night in Calgary, Jon Bernier played.  Although the Kings lost, he looked quite solid.  However, the Conroy goal wasn't anything that I would be writing home about.  I tried not to look at the replay; it was just so bad. 

In the next two games, Quick was back at the helm.  He managed to shut down the Atlanta Thrashers and then completely stone the Vancouver Canucks for the second time that week. 

So I ask you, which Jon Quick is the real one?  Is it the one that we saw last year down the stretch who looked weak and tired?  Or is it this agile, fast, great goaltender we have seen this season? 

You can't deny the stats.  Quick is running with a 0.97 GAA and a .963 save percentage.  Those stats are stellar.  He has yet to lose this season, and his confidence must be up in the clouds. 

People often thought of Bernier as the "goalie of the future" kind of guy.  Many hockey boards and rumour websites had the Kings trading Quick to a team like Philadelphia that looked as though it desperately need goal-tending. 

If I was Dean Lombardi, I wouldn't be so fast to trade Jon Quick.  He could quickly establish himself as the go to guy for the Kings.  It's a "problem" the Kings haven't had in a long time.  They have two guys that can comfortable play in that number one position.  We'll just have to see what the season brings. 

As of right now, Murray has made it quite clear that Quick is the number one guy. 

How long will this last? 

Only time will tell.

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