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Kings G Bernier gets nod vs. Devils

Oct 25, 2011 - 2:58 PM (Sports Network) - Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is in the midst of an incredible run between the pipes.

So of course, he will get the night off.

Despite Quick's franchise-record shutout streak, Los Angeles head coach Terry Murray will give Jonathan Bernier the start this evening against the New Jersey Devils at Staples Center.

The Kings have won four straight games, with each of the past three coming by way of a shutout. Quick is the first goaltender in Los Angeles history to post three whitewashes in a row and holds a current shutout streak of 188 minutes and 10 seconds.

However, Murray had already decided to start Bernier in this game and isn't changing course despite Quick's recent play, which includes 28 saves in a 1-0 win over Dallas on Saturday.

"Well, I made the decision before [Saturday's] game and I'm not going to change that," said Quick. "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."

Bernier will make his second start of the season and allowed four goals on 26 shots in his first appearance, a loss to Buffalo on Oct. 8.

The Kings are trying to win five in a row for the first time since a six-game run from Oct. 28-Nov. 13, 2010 and got their lone goal on Saturday from defenseman Jack Johnson. His game-winner from the right point appeared to carom off the back of a Dallas defenseman in front, then sailed into the top left corner of the net.

Mike Richards notched an assist for a fourth straight game as Quick posted his 17th career shutout.

"It feels great, but it's one game. It's a long season. The guys are battling in the defensive zone and making my job a lot easier," said a humble Quick.

The Devils will play the second contest of a four-game road trip tonight and began the swing back east with a 4-1 loss in Pittsburgh. Patrik Elias scored shorthanded, but Johan Hedberg allowed all four goals on 29 shots.

"I liked how we were playing," Devils head coach Peter DeBoer told NHL.com. "I liked where we were at."

New Jersey has lost two in a row since a three-game win streak and had gone to a shootout in each of its previous three games. That includes last Thursday at home versus the Kings, a 2-1 victory for the Devils.

Elias scored in regulation and Ilya Kovalchuk had the winner in the shootout. Martin Brodeur made 10 saves before exiting with a right shoulder injury and has not played since. Hedberg stopped all 16 shots he faced in relief.

Quick made 36 saves in the loss, Los Angeles' first in three games versus New Jersey. The Devils have lost two of their last three at Staples Center.