Los Angeles Kings goaltender Cal Petersen has had quite the season. He started off playing well then fell into a slump and watched fellow netminder Jonathan Quick steal the show. Number one goaltender status was not even a thought now.
Quick started a majority after that and played well. Then the same situation happened to Quick and it was back to Cal. Since then it has been Petersen who has taken the number one spot and has put up outstanding numbers. Petersen was appointed by most to be the starter for the Kings before the season started. Maybe it was too much pressure or it was Quick not allowing Cal to take his crease.
Cal Petersen has assumed most of the games recently and has put the King’s roster on his back. Shining bright, Petersen has put the Kings back into playoff contention and not just a wild card spot. The team has bought into Petersen and the team as a whole is playing well.
Petersen has 11 wins in his last 15 starts and has stolen a few games along the way. He has given up 32 goals in that time for a supreme GAA. This season Cal is 16-8-1 with a 2.60 GAA and a .904 save % in 26 games.
With Quick getting older, yet still playing well, Petersen has shown at times to be better than Quick. He is not afraid to challenge shooters and rebound after a tough goal. This duo could take the Kings into a deep playoff run.
Is he the starter going into the playoffs should the Kings acquire a playoff spot? Is he the starter going into next season? Whether Cal Petersen is the answer or not he has put the Kings on notice that he is capable of handling the goaltending load if need be.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(photo: nhl.com; Zach Dooley) (photo: nhl.com: Zach Dooley)
