Erik Ersberg has started four consecutive games, compiled a 3-0-1 record and allowed only seven regulation goals. Those are impressive numbers, any way you look at them, so it seems reasonable to ask, is Ersberg the Kings’ new No. 1 goalie? Terry Murray isn’t ready to take that step yet, although Ersberg is in line to make his fifth consecutive start tomorrow night in Dallas. Here’s what Murray said about the goaltending situation…

Question: Do you continue to be impressed with what you see from Ersberg?

MURRAY: “Yeah, Ersberg played very well. Dallas had offensive-zone time, a lot of movement and a lot of things happening off the puck, so he had to have great awareness. He shows his composure, stays in a set position and makes the big save when called on. So we like what we’re seeing in his game right now.”

Question: At some point, do you consider him more than just a backup goalie who’s getting a few games?

MURRAY: “Well, at some point you do if he keeps playing the way he is. Absolutely you do. All players get rewarded, whether you’re a defenseman or a forward. There’s players moving on different lines. It takes time to earn that right to move, though, and you have to have good performances, but if you get a level of play that is there game after game, you have to reward a player for performance.”

Question: Is Ersberg at that point?

MURRAY: “No.”

Question: Close?

MURRAY: “He only has about 18 games in the NHL, so it’s going to take time. I don’t know what that time is. I’m not going to push it on anybody. Just let him play and see how he deals with it. You know, there’s been a lot of goalies in the history of this game that have been terrific backup goalies, and they’ve been handed the No. 1 position through unrestricted free agency or trades, or whatever it might be, and they drop the ball big time. So it takes time to earn the right and develop the mentality to be able to deal with the responsibilities of being a No. 1 goalie.”