We collect cookies to analyze our website traffic and performance; we never collect any personal data.Cookies Policy
Accept
Michigan Post
Search
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Michigan
  • World
  • Politics
  • Top Story
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economics
    • Real Estate
    • Startups
    • Autos
    • Crypto & Web 3
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Beauty
    • Art & Books
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Education
Reading: Darcy Kuemper’s stellar L.A. comeback does not shock Kings
Share
Font ResizerAa
Michigan PostMichigan Post
Search
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Michigan
  • World
  • Politics
  • Top Story
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economics
    • Real Estate
    • Startups
    • Autos
    • Crypto & Web 3
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Beauty
    • Art & Books
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Education
© 2024 | The Michigan Post | All Rights Reserved.
Michigan Post > Blog > Sports > Darcy Kuemper’s stellar L.A. comeback does not shock Kings
Sports

Darcy Kuemper’s stellar L.A. comeback does not shock Kings

By Editorial Board Published February 22, 2025 7 Min Read
Share
Darcy Kuemper’s stellar L.A. comeback does not shock Kings

The primary time Darcy Kuemper performed for the Kings, he performed effectively. He simply didn’t play typically.

Because the backup to Jonathan Fast, who grew to become the winningest American-born goalie in NHL historical past, Kuemper noticed much less ice time than the Zamboni driver within the half-season he spent in L.A. But he misplaced simply as soon as in regulation in 15 begins and had a greater save proportion and goals-against common than Fast.

Which is to say he performed effectively sufficient to begin. However he wasn’t going to do this with the Kings.

“Goalie’s a tough position,” Kuemper mentioned. “Only one guy gets to play.”

So quite than let Kuemper, then 27, languish on the tip of the bench, Rob Blake, the Kings’ first-year basic supervisor, traded him to Arizona with 22 video games left within the 2017-18 season. It was the transfer that redefined a profession that has come full circle, with Kuemper returning to the Kings final summer season to place collectively among the best seasons within the NHL.

A backup in elements of six seasons in Minnesota and L.A., Kuemper grew to become the No. 1 goalie for the Coyotes, buying and selling the one-year, $650,000 contract he had with the Kings for a two-year, $3.7-million extension in Arizona, the place he completed fifth in voting for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s high goaltender.

“Basically what happened was an opportunity,” Kuemper mentioned. “Blake met with me and I was like ‘I don’t want to leave but I want to play more. I want to be a No. 1 in this league.’ So the trade happened.”

It wasn’t a very altruistic transfer on the Kings’ half. Kuemper’s contract would have ended when the season did, so by buying and selling him, Blake assured the staff it might get one thing in return.

Nonetheless, it’s the thought that counts, Kuemper mentioned.

“I’m forever grateful for him providing me with that opportunity,” he mentioned. “He definitely didn’t have to.”

Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper is shining in his stint in Los Angeles.

(Lindsey Wasson / Related Press)

“He knew our system, the way we like to play. He’s familiar with the organization. It made for a little bit more seamless transition.”

— Invoice Ranford, Kings goaltending coach, on Darcy Kuemper

Now 35, he’s repaying that gratitude. After reuniting with the Kings in a commerce primarily remembered for ridding the staff of underperforming and overpaid heart Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kuemper has a .919 save proportion that ranks third within the NHL amongst goalies with no less than 30 begins whereas his GAA of two.19 is second.

Plus he’s been getting higher because the season has worn on. Since coming back from a lower-body harm on Dec. 7, Kuemper had gone 12-4-3 heading into Saturday’s sport with Utah, the Kings’ first after the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

“He’s probably been our backbone,” Kings coach Jim Hiller mentioned. “He’s just been very, very consistent. That’s really what you want in a goaltender: just to be pretty consistent.

“Stop the ones that we think he should stop, make a couple of great saves every once in a while and we’ll be good with that.”

Kuemper, a rangy 6-foot-5, butterfly-style goalie with good puck-handling expertise, has performed greater than that. He’s turned a place that was a query mark, if not a legal responsibility, on the finish of final season right into a energy for a staff with a defense-first mindset. None of that surprises Invoice Ranford, the Kings’ director of goaltending, who had a say within the resolution to deliver Kuemper again.

“The numbers that he had the first time around were very good,” Ranford mentioned of Kuemper, who was an All-Star in Arizona and received a Stanley Cup in Colorado earlier than struggling by way of two injury-plagued seasons in Washington, the place he misplaced extra video games than he received and registered the bottom save proportion and highest GAA of his 13-year profession.

“He knew our system, the way we like to play. He’s familiar with the organization. It made for a little bit more seamless transition. And then, obviously, from my first time around with him, I felt I had an understanding of what he’s trying to do to get his game back on track.”

“There wasn’t any pushback,” Buckley mentioned. “That was really a relief, that the changes that I thought would help him, he was totally in agreement.

“Credit to him for being open-minded.”

Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper skates back to the net during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 1.

Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper skates again to the web throughout a sport in opposition to the Carolina Hurricanes on Feb. 1.

(Karl B DeBlaker / Related Press)

Neither Kuemper nor Buckley would go into element about these modifications, however each mentioned the goalie has been inspired to make use of his instincts and play extra freely.

“A big part of it too is just getting back to having fun,” Buckley mentioned. “Taking that pressure off and enjoying what you do. Being present in the moment.”

Being current once more in Southern California, a spot Kuemper mentioned he by no means needed to depart, additionally has helped.

“You know there’s been a lot of good goalies stuck in a backup role. It’s hard to get that opportunity, to get the chance to be a No, 1 guy,” mentioned Kuemper, who this month welcomed his and Sydney’s second youngster, a boy named Barrett.

“A lot of time it takes a trade or something. I’m very fortunate that I was able to get that chance.”

He and the Kings are profiting from it.

TAGGED:ComebackDarcyDoesntKingsKuempersL.Astellarsurprise
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print

HOT NEWS

Trump sues Wall Avenue Journal proprietor Rupert Murdoch and two reporters after Epstein letter report

Trump sues Wall Avenue Journal proprietor Rupert Murdoch and two reporters after Epstein letter report

World
July 18, 2025
Galaxy disciplines followers for rule violations whereas protesting staff response to ICE raids

Galaxy disciplines followers for rule violations whereas protesting staff response to ICE raids

The Galaxy have banned a fan from the Angel Metropolis Brigade assist group following the…

July 18, 2025
Shuttered Michigan ski resort on the cusp of reopening

Shuttered Michigan ski resort on the cusp of reopening

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — After being closed for 25 years, a once-popular Michigan ski…

July 18, 2025
Briton was attempting to save lots of pal when each died in Portugal, sister says

Briton was attempting to save lots of pal when each died in Portugal, sister says

The sister of a person who drowned in Portugal has mentioned he died whereas attempting…

July 18, 2025
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream Evaluate

Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream Evaluate

In case you’re on TikTok, you’ve in all probability seen medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream, which…

July 18, 2025

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Shohei Ohtani turns into an writer with a e book starring his canine Decoy out subsequent 12 months

Shohei Ohtani is already well-known as a pitcher and a slugger.The Dodgers celebrity has just lately taken on one other…

Sports
July 18, 2025

Mira Costa is the place with a particular groups trio set to punt, kick, snap and maintain

In the case of particular groups, Mira Costa’s soccer staff has a dream group able to deal with punting, kicking,…

Sports
July 18, 2025

4 main questions the Dodgers face within the second half of the season

p]:text-cms-story-body-color-text clearfix"> It’s an age-old query with regards to the Dodgers, solid upon a new-look roster battling acquainted injury-related complications.…

Sports
July 18, 2025

Clippers rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser displaying development in Summer season League

LAS VEGAS — Yanic Konan Niederhauser acquired the cross close to the half-court line from a Clippers teammate who had simply stolen…

Sports
July 17, 2025

Welcome to Michigan Post, an esteemed publication of the Enspirers News Group. As a beacon of excellence in journalism, Michigan Post is committed to delivering unfiltered and comprehensive news coverage on World News, Politics, Business, Tech, and beyond.

Company

  • About Us
  • Newsroom Policies & Standards
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Media & Community Relations
  • Accessibility Statement

Contact Us

  • Contact Us
  • Contact Customer Care
  • Advertise
  • Licensing & Syndication
  • Request a Correction
  • Contact the Newsroom
  • Send a News Tip
  • Report a Vulnerability

Term of Use

  • Digital Products Terms of Sale
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Settings
  • Submissions & Discussion Policy
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Ad Choices

© 2024 | The Michigan Post | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?