David Rittich will be the goalie for the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 of their NHL playoffs series against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
Rittich is taking over from Cam Talbot, who had a tough time in the first three games, allowing 13 goals. The Kings lost both games, including a 6-1 defeat on Friday, putting the Oilers ahead 2-1 in the series.
Kings interim coach Jim Hiller told reporters during Sunday’s morning practice that he decided on Saturday.
“David is going to start, and we’re confident in him. Cam did well, but David has been strong for us, especially against Edmonton,” Hiller said.
Rittich played in 24 games during the regular season, starting 22. He had a record of 13-6-3 with a 2.15 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.
He also had three shutouts, including one against the Oilers on Feb. 10, when the Kings won 4-0. Rittich’s last start was on April 13 against Anaheim, where he made 28 saves in a 3-1 win.
“He’s been really good. What’s important is that he’s performed well even after not playing for a while,” Hiller said.
This will be Rittich’s second playoff start. He played in Game 1 of the Nashville Predators series against the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 but was pulled after allowing five goals on 13 shots in a 7-2 loss.