The LA Kings Goalie Controversy No One Saw Coming

Although the most diehard Kings fans still have a hard time imagining Quick playing for any other franchise, most overlook the fact that management decided to move in a different direction and hand the club’s future over to Copley, who has not disappointed. Of course, there are arguments that he’s incapable of the job with a .903 SV% in his career; however, his record speaks otherwise, with just 14 losses in 67 games.

Moreover, he’s won 59% of his NHL games thanks to a 40-14-6 record with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, and now LA Kings, where he boosts a 66% win rate this season. Surprisingly, that’s a higher percentage than Korpisalo, who came to town with a 42% career-winning percentage, and Petersen (43%), who has been relegated to the minors.

Conversely, it should be pointed out that Quick’s win percentage with the Kings is 49%, which means he won roughly half his games over a 16-year career that resulted in two Stanley Cup titles.

Now, no one is saying that Copley is ever going to accomplish the achievements that Quick did during his Hall of Fame career; these numbers showcase that a guy like Copley, when given a chance, has found success wherever he goes, which allowed general manager Rob Blake to bank on his ability to win games.

Most teams would love a guy like Copley with a 24-5-3 record in 36 games, despite the less-than-stellar SV% and GAA numbers. Although he would not be considered an elite netminder in the NHL, the Alaskan native sure has a chance to prove many people wrong by guiding the Kings to a deep playoff run.