Los Angeles Kings conquer Minnesota Wild with 4-0 shutout -NHL Update
Los Angeles took over the Tuesday night show with their intense performance that had the crowd at the edge of their seats the entire time as the Kings conquered Minnesota Wild with a 4-0 shutout at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Being a backup to a goalie like Jonathan Quick certainly does not get Jonathan Bernier much time in the net with Los Angeles but when they did let him play, the goalie definitely did not disappoint.
The 23-year-old and former 11th overall draft pick blocked all 26 shots on his net despite being outshot in comparison to Minnesota goaltender, Niklas Backstrom, who failed to block four of just 15 shots.
"I thought he was awesome, he was the best player on the ice," Los Angeles coach, Darryl Sutter, said talking about Bernier. "It's great for him. The last five or six minutes, the team played for their goalie because he's given us a real good opportunity
to win the game."
With three penalties given by Los Angeles, it seemed as if Bernier would break at anytime as Minnesota had multiple chances with an extra skater on the ice.
"We kept everything to the outside," Bernier said. "On that (power play) in the second period, I knew that was a big (penalty kill) for us and the boys did a heck of a job. From there after, we had a lot of confidence and we shut the door."
The Los Angeles forwards were not slacking either as they came out prepared right in the opening period. Justin Williams, Dwight King and Anze Kopitar fired three goals straight, taking a dominating 3-0 leading entering the second period.
Jordan Nolan capped it off with his second of the year at the 15:01 mark in the second 20 minute round.
Bernier has certainly showed some great potential as teams prepare to head into the playoffs, making him a goalie that Los Angeles may definitely count on in upcoming weeks.
Kings have the next at home against Anaheim Ducks before taking off on a four-game road trip on Saturday while Minnesota faces off against Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
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