Cam Talbot’s hockey season has been full of ups and downs. The Los Angeles Kings are hoping that their experienced goalie, Talbot, is playing his best as they head into the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“My game feels good, but there’s always room to get better,” said Talbot. “Whenever we have a practice day, I make sure to make the most of it.”
Talbot joined the Kings on a one-year deal before the season began, making him part of his fourth team in five years.
He played in 54 games and started 52, which is the fourth time in his 12-year career that he’s started at least 50 games. He had a record of 27-20-6.
Among goalies who played at least 50 games, Talbot ranked fifth in goals-against average (GAA) with 2.50 and save percentage (.913).
While his stats are solid, Talbot has had some inconsistent performances. He finished the regular season with four wins in his last six starts, but he had a tough night against Chicago, allowing four goals on 13 shots in a 5-4 overtime win.
With that victory, the Kings secured third place in the Pacific Division and set up a first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.
The series starts in Edmonton on Monday, marking the third straight season the Oilers and Kings have faced off in the first round.
Talbot had a strong start to the season but struggled during a stretch where he went winless in 10 straight starts.
Despite the rough patch, Talbot remained confident in his abilities. He believes that the team’s struggles were not a reflection of his skills as a goalie.
Hiller, the Kings’ coach, noticed improvement in Talbot’s game after the All-Star break, particularly in making the first save and preventing rebounds.
