Kings Goaltending Strong in Preseason Play
The Los Angeles Kings got a big 2024-25 season from goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
While expectations are once again big heading into the 2025-26 season, the goaltending pipeline looks good for the Kings.
All goaltenders who have played this preseason have been extremely good and show no signs of slowing down.
While the goaltending in Los Angeles seems to be set, the other goaltenders who have played have shown they are up for the challenge.
As a team, the Kings have a record of 4-1 with a 1.80 goals against average, have stopped 119 of 128 shots faced, and have one shutout. Kuemper is 1-0 with one shutout and a 1.000 save percentage. Anton Forsberg is 1-0 with a 1.00 goals against average and a .970 save percentage. Prospect Carter George is 1-0 with a 1.00 goals against average and a .963 save percentage. Phoenix Copley is 1-0 with a 2.00 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. Erik Portillo is 0-1 with a 4.00 goals against average and a. 862 save percentage.
Portillo has not put up the numbers to remain in Los Angeles, but is still developing and could see time with the Kings in the upcoming season. Although his stats do not show it, he was solid in the game he did play. He has work to do, and being consistent is one of the things he needs to improve in. He will be starting the season with the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL).
George has been impressive during training camp. He only appeared in one game, but looked sharp in his saves and side-to-side action. He did not look nervous or out of place and looks to be a lock for the job in Los Angeles sooner than later. Unfortunately, he was sent down to the Owen Sound Attack and will play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to start the season.
Forsberg and Kuemper will be the duo to start the season in Los Angeles. They both played well during their games and are well-prepared for the season. Kuemper will be the starter and will look to prove that last season was no fluke. Forsberg also has something to prove, and that is the contract he signed was earned. He comes to Los Angeles as a solid goaltender who can admirably fill in for Kuemper when he needs a rest.
Yes, the statistics are from the preseason, and most people do not take those statistics seriously. However, those rosters still featured NHL players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. They were not filled with rookies or prospects.
The Kings’ goaltenders have looked good and need to start the season on a high note, given the division they play in.
So far, so good, as the netminders are ready to play some meaningful games and live up to expectations.
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