The Kings have won back to back tight games riding on the outstanding goaltending of Jonathan Quick, improving to 9-6-1 overall. Los Angeles has scored just three goals combined between the two games and still managed to earn two points in both.
The 36-year-old Quick opened this red hot stretch with a flawless performance on Tuesday against the Wild. He stopped all 21 shots he faced, registering the 57th shutout of his remarkable career. He now has recorded one or more shutouts in all 15 of his NHL seasons with the Kings. They won the game 1-0 after Gabriel Vilardi was able to score late in the third period to break the tie.
Quick then had an almost equally impressive encore performance on Thursday against the Blackhawks, who the Kings just lost to in overtime on November 3. They flipped the script and defeated Chicago 2-1 in overtime on a last second goal from Kevin Fiala. However, the Kings would not have been able to get to that point without another incredible performance from Quick. He saved 31 of the 32 shots he faced, with the only Blackhawks goal coming on a power play in the first period.
Takeaways
Overall, between the last two games, Quick has a save percentage of .981. It has been exactly what the Kings needed, as even after these two dominant games, they are still fifth-worst in the NHL with 54 goals allowed on the year. Inconsistent defense and goaltending were the two biggest struggles for the first few weeks of the season. Quick’s strong play has now earned him four straight starts in the crease, and he could be setting himself apart from Cal Peterson as the Kings primary goalie, at least for now.
If Quick can continue to dominate like he has this week, the Kings could become an elite team. Their offense will find more goal scoring again soon, and with Quick making highlight reel save after highlight reel save, the Kings have a recipe for success. They are now sitting at 19 points, which is good for second in the Pacific Division, and only trailing the 13-2-0 Golden Knights. Los Angeles will host Detroit on Saturday to conclude their four-game homestand.
