In the midst of a stellar 15-3 postseason campaign, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick is suddenly in elite company. Going into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals, his second opportunity to lift Lord Stanley's Cup, Quick has posted a spectacular goals-against average of 1.39.
Barring a complete collapse by Quick, he stands as the prohibitive favorite to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy. From a historic context, he has accomplished much more.
In NHL playoff history, with a minimum of 10 games played, Frank Brimsek holds the all-time mark for best goals-against average in one postseason of 1.25, in 1939 for the Boston Bruins.
Brimsek is not exactly a household name, but how about Jacques Plante of the Montreal Canadiens?
Plante's best GAA in one playoff year is 1.43, which puts him in third place on this illustrious list. Second place is held by Patrick Lalime (1.39), who is probably not on anyone's next Hall of Fame ballot.
Quick seems to have his own style; he is neither stand-up nor pure butterfly. His athleticism and deliberate movements have rendered him a force and game-changer. He takes away the low part of the net, and he doesn't allow much room on the top shelf, either. He anticipates the rebound chance and has, on several occasions, moved post-to-post to rob an opponent. His reflexes may be unmatched as he has also denied several deflections ticketed for corners.
Perhaps Quick is a flash in the pan, a momentary blip on the radar screen, a temporary diversion. He could be the next Patrick Lalime. Given his style, confidence and sheer brilliance in this postseason, a healthy Quick at the age of 26 could be the start of a long nightmare for opposing skaters.
While analysts and writers make predictions, Quick continues ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
