Kings hoping goaltender Cam Talbot can return to early form as Stanley Cup playoffs begin
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — It would be an understatement to say that Cam Talbot’s season has been a roller coaster.
The Los Angeles Kings, though, are hoping their veteran netminder’s game is ascending heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“My game is at a place where I like it, but there’s always room for improvement,” Talbot said. “Any time we get a practice day, which is often anymore, I try to take advantage of it.”
Talbot signed a one-year contract with the Kings during the offseason, his fourth team in five seasons. He played in 54 games and started 52, marking the fourth time in his 12-year career and first since 2018 that he has started at least 50 games. He posted a record of 27-20-6.
Among goaltenders with at least 50 games, Talbot is fifth with a 2.50 goals-against average and .913 save percentage.
The overall numbers are good, but Talbot has been inconsistent. He closed the regular season with four wins in his last six starts, but allowed four goals on 13 shots in Thursday night’s 5-4 overtime victory against Chicago. With the win, the Kings moved back into third place in the Pacific Division and drew a first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.