Kings Goaltending – Boom or Bust?

Hey Gavin499,

Thanks! I've got more horrible nicknames than you could shake a stick at. Hit me up on aim if you're ever bored: GorgorothGhenna - and yes, anyone else reading this is welcome to join in as well.

Gorger - With your permission I'm going to have to use the nickname "Big Sexy" whenever I refer to Sexton (which is of course... not that often..) It's brilliant.

Gavin499,

I hear you, regarding Bernier's maturity level. I do believe he has the potential of becoming a 2003-level Jiggy. Remember, that guy managed to be THAT good while having an amazingly weak glove side. Knowing how to compensate for weaknesses can make for a better player.

Oh, and with regard to really really bad nicknames, I call Sexton of the Ducks "Big Sexy" because he is neither!

Gorger - First of all, I totally hear you on the nickname... then again hockey players don't seem to have the best creativity in coming up with nicknames (Brownie? Who came up with that one? Kopi?) I'm not sure I entirely agree with your call on Bernier. It's certainly possible, and for the first time we're at a place where we can realistically hope to have a competition in goal, I just think it's unlikely. Bernier was a child when he played in London. He's matured, and performed well in the AHL. I think he's got better upside than Quick, but is not as likely to reach that potential.

M. - I tend to agree regarding Quick's upper-level of ability. I don't think he's ever going to be a Vezina trophy candidate, but he could be a very solid keeper and could potentially backstop a championship team (assuming everything else falls into place as well)

There is obviously sooo much more to look up about this. I think you made some pretty neat points in Features also.

Quickie (don't blame me for the nickname, go talk to the players) has shown great poise and calmness for his youth. He doesn't melt down under pressure and he doesn't throw temper tantrums (you know who THOSE guys are). He's very focused and if Bernsie wants to play for the NHL, he's going to have to look to another team. I don't think Quick is going anywhere. Remember, after Bernsie's wonderful debut at the O2 Arena, he fell apart like a sugar sculpture in a downpour. He was spectacular in his one-off while Quick's kid was being born, but a lot of that had to do with the fact that the opposition hadn't faced him and didn't know his moves. Many times, once the shooters learn a goaltenders tendencies, they take the guy apart.

I think Quick is doing the best job he can do and helping fill the bill until Jonathan Bernier is ready for the NHL. I think he's more of a "second tier" type number one goalie among NHL tenders rather than elite with Luongo, Kiprusoff, Miller and company. Plus I think having the solid/near-excellent defense this year helps out the Kings too.