Quick post-game news from Kings’ and Ducks’ exhibition finale
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Jonathan Quick will be the Kings’ No. 1 goalie this season, but the coaches and management are still deciding between Jonathan Bernier and Erik Ersberg for the backup job. Also, winger Richard Clune, who appeared to have won a roster spot with his toughness, has a pulled groin and won’t be ready for the start of the season. Brayden Schenn, the Kings’ first-round pick and fifth overall in the June draft, is likely to start the season with Manchester of the American Hockey League and played Sunday only because Clune couldn’t go.
Kings Coach Terry Murray said a staff discussion would take place within hours of the team’s 5-4 exhibition loss to the Ducks at the Honda Center. The Kings have 27 players, four more than the limit. Rosters must be submitted to the NHL by noon PDT Wednesday.
‘I would think ... we practice Tuesday at 10 o’clock, I think that we should have made decisions by then,’ he said. ‘There’s some anxious moments for some players.’
The suspension imposed on Sean O’Donnell for the first two games means the Kings are likely to carry an extra defenseman to start the season. That’s another decision to be made probably on Monday.
The Ducks have 25 players. Coach Randy Carlyle wouldn’t say when he will make the final two cuts, only that they’ll happen sometime before the team’s season opener Saturday against San Jose at the Honda Center.
More later at www.latimes.com/sports.
-- Helene Elliott