After missing eight straight games, Darcy Keumper made his return with two phenomenal performances against the Wild and Islanders. Despite returning for two games, Darcy Keumper would miss the following game against the Devils.
In the absence of the starting goaltender, the Kings struggled immensely against New Jersey. David Rittich had a .885 save rating and allowed three goals. While Rittich had been solid in prior games, he had an off night against the Devils.
Keumper returned to the lineup in the matchup against the Rangers. In this game, Keumper would replicate the success he had in his two prior games.
Out of the 32 shots the Rangers had in the game, Kuemper saved 31 of those attempts. This accumulates for a .969 save percentage. Which is better than the two previous games Keumper played in.
In comparison, Keumper had a .957 save percentage on 23 shots against the Wild and a .950 save percentage on 20 shots. In each of these games, Keumper only allowed one goal.
Despite the Rangers having more shots, Kuemper allowed the same number of goals as the previous two games. This game against the Rangers proves that Kuemper has consistly denied scoring opporiunites.
Through these three games, Keumper has saved 72 shots and accumulated a .960 save percentage. Which would be a higher save percentage than the .927 of Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
To compliment the success Keumper has had in his return, the Kings have dominated in all three of those games. Los Angeles has outscored the Wild, Islanders, and Rangers by a combined 12-3 scoring margin.
The dominance of Keumper has complimented a Kings defense that ranks in the top three throughout the league. To add on to the stifling defense, the Kings found their rhythm on offense in the month of December.
Three games may be a small sample size, but it shows that when Darcy Kuemper is on the ice, the Kings have an elite goaltender.
