Are the Los Angeles Kings Riding Jonathan Quick Too Hard?

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is one of the best in the world.

Lately, Quick hasn’t looked like himself.

At first it was ruled out as a few bad games. Perhaps the defense didn’t play well in front of the goaltender. Maybe it was the system had changed, and the Kings were focusing more on offensive production. Perhaps it was just a bad game by everyone and the goaltender was left hanging out to dry with most of the blame.

“It’s not that Quick’s been bad; he’s been average. That’s what’s concerning.”

Now, lately is becoming a more extensive relative term. Lately goes back to before the holiday break, when Quick started to struggle.

Quick’s currently numbers are solid: 16 wins, 2.35 goals against average (GAA), .917 save percentage (SV%). Quick’s just below that magical .920 save percentage number that separate’s elite goaltenders from the rest of the pack.

What’s concerning are the number over the last 10 or so games. Since December 11th, when the Kings took on the Ottawa Senators, there has been a change.

In the 22 games before December 11th Quick’s record was 11-7-4, in the 10 games since Quick’s record is 5-2-3. So the problem isn’t readily apparent. Even games the Kings have managed to win with Quick, his save percentage hasn’t been stellar.

The evidence is closely comparing Quick’s numbers. Quick’s GAA before December 11th is 2.09, after it’s 2.73. Save percentage is another stark contrast. Before December 11th, an impressive .927, which at the time was a top 10 in the NHL. Since December 11th it’s an uncharacteristic .863.

The most recent game is a sign that something is wrong. Saturday the Kings lost 7-6 in overtime to the Nashville Predators. Quick played 9:43 of the game, allowing 3 goals on 9 shots for a .667 SV%.

Take a look for yourself; here’s the game’s highlights:

It’s not that Quick’s been bad; he’s been average. That’s what’s concerning. Quick has played like a superhuman in the past, and it’s unusual for the world’s top goalie to look so normal.

Quick is currently 16th in the NHL with a 2.35 GAA, 15th with .917 SV%. He’s also tied for 3rd in games played with 33, 7th with 915 shots against, and tied for 7th with 839 saves.

Quick has been a rock for the Kings since he took over the reigns in goal during the 2008-2009 season. Since that point Quick’s worst season stats to date are a .902 SV% from the 2012-2013 season, and 2.54 GAA from 2009-2010.

Last season Quick played 75 games for the regular season and playoffs combined. In 26 playoff games Quick faced 774 shots, for an average of 29.7 shots per game. That’s a lot of work.

L.A. Kings backup goaltender Martin Jones has played in 9 games this season, starting 7. Jones has a GAA of 2.32 and a SV% of .908.

Jones isn’t a backup, he’s more of a 1-A goaltender. Not quite a starter yet, but better than most NHL backups.

In his last two appearances Jones has allowed 10 goals. That’s an indication that the Kings defense isn’t what it used to be. At least they haven’t played like it.

How can L.A. move forward and remedy this problem? How can the team help Quick?

Are the Kings riding Quick too hard?