Kings' early goaltending struggles raise alarms
Los Angeles is still without a win after five games under new head coach Peter Laviolette, and the team's .848 save percentage ranks 31st in the NHL. Darcy Kuemper was pulled after the first period of a 4-1 loss to Edmonton, lowering his season save percentage to .847. On Daily Faceoff LIVE, Carter Hutton called the goaltending a serious concern and wondered when Carter George might receive playing time.
Los Angeles has opened the Laviolette era without a victory in five contests. The club’s cumulative save percentage sits at .848, placing it 31st league-wide. Darcy Kuemper’s rough start continued when he exited after one period against Edmonton, a 4-1 defeat, leaving his personal mark at .847.
On Daily Faceoff LIVE, Carter Hutton rated the situation a 9 out of 10, citing Kuemper’s age, the team’s defensive structure, and high-quality Oilers chances. He also noted Kuemper’s .866 save percentage and 3.44 GAA since Jan. 1 last season, his late-season loss of the net to Anton Forsberg, and asked when Carter George might play.
The Kings’ slow start and shaky goaltending could shape how fans, players, and coaches experience the early season. Supporters may grow frustrated, while Kuemper and Forsberg could face added scrutiny and pressure. A potential switch to Carter George might energize some observers or create new expectations. For the broader hockey audience, the situation may serve as another example of how quickly goaltending concerns can dominate a team’s narrative, affecting discussion, coverage, and fan mood.