Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick is the hottest net minder in hockey with a club record three consecutive shutouts. But Quick rests Tuesday night as the Kings host the New Jersey Devils at Staples Center. Jonathan Bernier will start in goal for the Kings, who have won four straight contests.
"Well, I made the decision before the game (Saturday) and I’m not going to change that," Kings coach Terry Murray said after practice on Monday. "I’ve talked to Bernie about it, I’ve talked to Quicker about it, to let him know. I talked to him briefly about it. That’s the way it is. That’s the decision made."
Quick had six shutouts last season, the most by a Kings goalie since Felix Potvin also had six shutouts in the 2001-2002 season. Quick has stopped 175 of 180 shots, including all 83 shots he has faced in the last three games, and leads the NHL with a .972 save percentage.
This is the second meeting of the season between the Kings and Devils. On October 13, New Jersey handed Quick his only loss of the season, a 2-1 shootout triumph. Bernier started just once this season, allowing four goals in a loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Berlin, Germany on October 8.
Anze Kopitar had his point streak stopped at six games in Saturday night's 1-0 victory over the Dallas Stars at Staples Center, but the Kings' center still leads the team with four goals and six assists. Kopitar is tied for fourth in the NHL with 10 points.
The Devils are in the second game of a four-game road trip.
For more Kings news and notes, be sure to read Jewels From The Crown.