BT's 2008/09 NHL Season Preview: The Los Angeles Kings

The combined age of our goalies? 74 Leslie Nielsen is 82…That’s Irrelevant

Now in that age, I only accounted for three of the Kings’ goalies: Jonathon Bernier, Jason LaBarbera, and Erik Esberg, as both Daniel Taylor and Jonathon Quick seem to be eyeing time in either the ECHL or AHL, although both have very minor NHL experience.

The most recognizable youngster out of that group for some, may be Jonathon Bernier. Bernier, the Lewiston Maniacs alum, got a brief taste of NHL action last season, starting the season with the big club in London, England against the Anaheim Ducks.

You may remember that he won his NHL debut, allowing only one goal. Although he would proceed to lose his next three decisions (allowing 4,7,and 4 goals respectively), Bernier is still well ahead of where he should be as a 20-year old netminder (not all of us can be Carey Price).

I can’t technically call him a kid, as he’s four months older than me, but Bernier will be fine this season if he’s handled correctly. Send him to the AHL and let him get some seasoning.

He’s got the attitude and the talent to take him (and the Kings) far in the NHL in the future, and they’d be insane to rush him. He’ll be good, but save him some of the headaches of playing behind a young, growing team.

Bringing some Swedish input back between the pipes for the Kings this season will be Erik Ersberg. After a few looks at the NHL level, Ersberg will be looking to lock down one of the two spots between the pipes for the Kings.

In only 14 games last year, Ersberg won 6 and lost 5 but he also posted an impressive .927 save percentage, as well as a 2.48 goals-against average. If he begins to regain his Swedish League form though, maybe the Kings can be dangerous

But the third and final piece in this goalie puzzle is Jason LaBarbera—a great technical goalie who has been dogged by consistency and performance issues throughout his career. Coming off of a season cut short by sports-hernia surgery, LaBarbera is the most seasoned option the Kings have, which isn’t saying much.

In 79 career NHL games, LaBarbera is 29-34 with a 3.04 GAA and a .903 save percentage, and the most he’s every played in a season was last year, as he played in 45 games.

So what does this mean for the Kings? Either inexperience between the pipes is going to kill them, and prevent Los Angeles from climbing out of the Pacific basement, or someone is going to surprise…big time.

After allowing the third-most goals in the NHL last season (266) though, I’m thinking this may be another tough year out there in California.

Symptoms: Hands feel Klemm(y), My Johnson is Greene, I’m covered in Hickey’s, and I’m full of self-Doughty

While I’m at it I’ll make up another word: L.A. has the funnest names on defense in the league.

While I'm at it still, I'll apologize. Jon Klemm isn't on the team anymore. But his name gave the inspiration for this title, so I had to include him. Thanks to Jon's heritage for such an enjoyable two-and-a-half minutes.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?