Mar 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the game against the Nashville Predators at the Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Predators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The Kings have a problem that many teams around the league would love to be struggling with: two number one goaltenders on the team.  Looking around the league you would be hard pressed to come across a better tandem between the pipes, and this year the Kings are relying heavily on the Jonathans.  After losing two of their top defenseman – Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell – who were instrumental in helping the team win the Stanley Cup last season the Kings have been forced to take on a new challenge.  While young guns Jake Muzzin and Slava Voynov have more than held their own this season, the dynamic on the back end is a little different and the defense has looked sloppy at times – leading to more grade A scoring chances for the opposing team.  The Kings have done a good job of holding down the number of shots they give up per game (2nd in the league in GA/G), but have too often relied on Quick or Bernier to come up with fantastic saves that have ultimately cost them a few victories.

Feb 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) looks for the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Lately we have seen more of Bernier and it has been pretty.  In only 4 games played he has 3 wins, a 1.80 GAA and a .916 Save Percentage.  To put this into perspective, Bernier has only one less win than Quick but has played 8 fewer games.  Do we have a goalie controversy on our hands?  I don’t think so, but it would be nice to see Bernier get a few more starts to give Quick some much needed rest.  Looking at the remaining season schedule we see that the Kings play 6 sets of back-to-back games so JB will most likely play in one each of those back to backs.  However, that would only put Bernier at 10 games played this season leaving Quick to carry the load in 38 games.  I think you need to have a little more balance in terms of distributing games amongst your goaltenders especially if you’re in a situation like the Kings with two proven netminders.

What do you think?  Should the Kings ride the hot hand more often (that is, go with Bernier) or should they drop the majority of starts on Quick who is the reigning Conn Smythe winner?

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the rink

Gary Bettman. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A small glimmer of hope that continued to shrink

We want hockey back for the holidays you shmucks!

But still Fehr and Bettman just brush off their tux

Compromise and understanding is no where to be found

As the NHL’s reputation is slowly pinned to the ground

The owners are greedy, the players are proud

For this is the reason Staples is no longer loud

Champagne once flowed freely from Lord Stanley’s Cup

Jonathan Quick. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

A thrilling ride which got LA pumped up

Critics claimed hockey in Hollywood would never stick

Until they learned about Jonathan Quick

So what do they need and what shall they take

Why can’t the owners and players cut us a break

Let’s voice our concern and give the executives a reason

To bring back our game this holiday season

Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday & GO KINGS GO