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Off Day Watch, 10/20: Have We Talked About the Goalies?

Posted on by Eric Kveton

It’s kind of funny that the goaltending has been lost to many in the Los Angeles Kings’ strong start to 2017-18. Normally, the goalies are all we hear about when things are good or when they’re bad, but there are so many new pieces to discuss that we’ve kind of neglected Jonathan Quick. (And Darcy Kuemper, I guess.) LA’s 5v5 save percentage is fifth-best in the NHL, while their overall save percentage leads the way thanks to the Kings’ .971 SV% on the penalty kill. That isn’t going to continue — only one team cleared .900 in that PK category — but it’s positive. With the Kings allowing an extra eight shot attempts per 60 minutes per game, goaltending is going to be even more important, and both Quick and Kuemper have seen their strong preseason efforts continue into the regular season. I hesitate to make snap judgments on whether their style has changed or they’re more composed, but I know they’re stopping more pucks, and that makes me happy.

KINGS WATCH

  • The SB Nation main page has taken notice of the Kings’ strong offensive start. [SB Nation]
  • Interesting quotes on the Kings’ first few weeks, including Doughty on Sutter, which is always worth a look. [NHL]
  • Celebrity Kings fans are fighting over the newly signed Brooks Laich./

WORLD WATCH

  • The Dodgers are going to the World Series, which makes a number of Kings very happy. /

  • St. Louis has had the worst injury luck this side of Anaheim, but they’ve endured. [SB Nation]
  • The Rangers are having issues. Is Alain Vigneault responsible? [Blueshirt Banter]/

WATCH THIS

Oscar Fantenberg was interviewed by NHL Network a few days back. Check it out if you missed it!

GAME TO WATCH

Why not go to Ontario and catch Opening Night for the Reign?

Talking Points