LOS ANGELES (CBSNewYork/AP) — Second-string goalie is one of the toughest jobs in hockey. Long lulls between starts, constant rust, trying to stay sharp in practice.
Los Angeles called on its new backup for the first time this season Sunday night and Darcy Kuemper responded just as the Kings had hoped.
Kuemper stopped 23 shots and, boosted by timely offense from Anze Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty, the Kings held off the New York Islanders 3-2 for the best five-game start in team history.
“It’s a tough spot for a goalie, when you don’t get a chance to play games all the time,” Los Angeles coach John Stevens said.