LA Kings: Three best training camp battles to follow
By Ryan Sikes
The LA Kings must carry three goalies all year. Who will get the final job?
Two things are for certain in net. Jonathan Quick will be the starter, but Cal Petersen is likely to see a big chunk of games in net. After the LA Kings traded Jack Campbell, Petersen played admirably in eight games, posting a 2.64 GAA and .922 SV%. Per the training camp roster, five goalies have been invited to camp.
Troy Grosenick, Matt Villalta, and Jacob Ingham will have the opportunity to separate themselves in scrimmages and make a case for being carried on the taxi squad. Grosenick was expected to be a depth piece for the Ontario Reign, but the new rule for the 2021 season likely gives the 31-year-old an edge for the final position.
Ingham is still just 20 years of age, and while it’s a small sample size, he did not look sharp in the two games in ECHL this season. Villalta could step into a full-time role with the Ontario Reign this season or, with a brilliant camp, could carve out a role for himself at the NHL level. With the Reign, the 21-year-old Villata posted a 3.27 GAA and .899 SV% in 22 games last year.
Due to Grosenick’s age and therefore experience, he’s probably in line for the third goalie on the roster, but the battle will be intriguing to monitor nonetheless.