Cam Talbot was a budget, low-risk, high-reward signing for the Kings last season. While Talbot struggled during the season's final stretch and the playoffs, he excelled in the first half, finishing with a record of 27-20-6, a save percentage of .913%, and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.50. He became an All-Star in the goaltender-friendly Kings system. The Kings parted ways with Talbot and directly upgraded their goaltending by moving Pierre-Luc Dubois's contract for Darcy Kuemper. Unlike Talbot, Kuemper is a costly, $5 million netminder with term on his contract. Kuemper started the season with inconsistent performances [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/game-day/kings-pacific-showdown-goalies]—alternating between excellent and subpar—and has faced two injuries. However, since returning from his second injury, he has positioned himself as a contender for the Kings' second consecutive All-Star goaltender in as many seasons. Kuemper's overall record stands at 12-3-5, with a .921 save percentage and a GAA of 2.11. Since his return from his second injury, he has been performing at an elite level [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/latest-news/from-defeat-to-dominance-kings-response-to-a-7-2-loss], boasting an 8-1-2 record, a GAA of 1.63, and a save percentage of .940. Recently, he suffered his first regulation loss since returning from injury in a game against the Edmonton Oilers, which was decided by a single four-on-four goal (1-0 loss). During this recent stretch, Kuemper has demonstrated outstanding goaltending ability. The Kings faced tough matchups against Tampa Bay and New Jersey, games in which they were decisively outplayed. But their goaltender successfully stifled the opposition, allowing the Kings to find their footing and win games that should have been well out of reach. These performances would help prompt Kuemper to be named the league's third star of the week. According to Moneypuck, for goaltenders with at least 20 games played, Kuemper ranks third in save percentage on unblocked shots (all situations) at .963%. He holds the second-best GAA (2.11) and a save percentage of .921% for shots on goal. He has allowed the fewest goals in the league, with just 44. If a renaissance marked Talbot's time with the Kings, Kuemper's experience so far resembles a similar resurgence. This performance should earn him a spot at the All-Star weekend. That's quite the 'feel good' story after two challenging seasons in Washington. Kuemper must feel his confidence has returned as if he is back in his prime. However, the Kings should be cautious regarding Kuemper's performance in the latter part of the season. Lessons learned from last season with Talbot indicate that overusing a goaltender can be detrimental, as demonstrated in the playoffs against the Oilers. Talbot was the league's best penalty-killing goaltender last season, with a goals saved above expected (GSAE) of 10.6, but like the whole team regarding special teams, was dismantled against the Oilers in the playoffs. Fortunately for the Kings, they aren't quite there yet—there is time to make strategic initiatives and preparations for such events. If Kuemper continues to excel, he will be crucial for the team as they head down the stretch. Should his play decline, the Kings may experience a series of turbulent difficulties, given that quality replacements for his level of play are limited. As a defensively sound team, they cannot afford to chase leads in games. Kuemper's recovery in Los Angeles has been a boon, and an All-Star selection seems well within reach. If he can maintain his performance level since returning from injury, a Vezina Trophy could be a discussion point. However, placing for that rare and hallowed award for a Kings goalie might be a long shot, considering Connor Hellebuyck's impressive form in Winnipeg. Regardless, Kuemper deserves recognition for his achievements with the Kings this season. THNLAKWeekJan1225
