Los Angeles Kings: Jonathan Quick and the 5 Best Goalies in Franchise History

The Los Angeles Kings were born to the City of Angels in 1967.

During their 44-year lifespan, they have managed only one first-place finish in their division (1990-91), and have succumbed to 24 losing seasons. 

Although the star is finally shining brightly above the Staples Center for a reason other than the Lakers' fortunes, it has been a long journey for the franchise to get to where it is today.

As one looks through the history of net-minders, it becomes apparent that Jonathan Quick can now be considered one of the top five goalies in team history.

Here are all of the top five goalies in Los Angeles Kings history.

No. 5: Stephane Fiset (1997-2001)

Stephane Fiset starts off our top five countdown with his 200 games played, 80 of which were victories.

Career Kings Stats

Games played: 200

Wins: 80

Save percentage: .897

Shutouts: 10

Best Season

1997-98 (Kings record: 38-33-11, second in division)

Games played: 60

Record: 26-25-8

Goals against average: 2.71

Save percentage: .909

Shutouts: 2

No. 4: Mario Lessard (1978-1984)

Even though Mario Lessard almost erased the "Miracle on Manchester" with his self-proclaimed "bonehead" play in the 1982 playoff game against Edmonton, he still makes the list due in part to his win total.

Career Kings Stats

Games played: 240

Wins: 92

Save percentage: .828 (This stat was not kept until 1981-82 season)

Shutouts: 9

Best Season

1980-81 (Kings record: 43-24-13, second in division)

Games played: 64

Record: 35-18-11

Goals against average: 3.25

Save percentage: (Stat not kept until 1981-82 season)

Shutouts: 2

No. 3: Jonathan Quick (2007-Present)

Quick joins our countdown as the No. 3 goalie in Kings history. He holds many of the team's season records including:

Most games played: 72 in 2009-10

Most minutes played: 4,258 in 2009-10

Most wins: 39 in 2009-10

Quick is also tied for lowest goals against average and highest save percentage in a season.

Jonathan Quick has become an elite goaltender in the NHL, and is off to a stellar start in 2011-12. He recently set a Kings record for consecutive shutouts (3) and consecutive time without allowing a goal.

Career Kings Stats (all stats as of 10/24/11)

Games played: 186

Wins: 101

Save percentage: .906

Shutouts: 17

Best Season

2009-10 (Kings record: 46-27-9, third in division)

Games played: 72

Record: 39-24-7

Goals against average: 2.54

Save percentage: .907

Shutouts: 4

No. 2: Kelly Hrudey (1988-1996)

Kelly Hrudey was far more than a great Kings goaltender. He helped brand the team image into what it is today during his tenure with the club.

Hrudey holds some of the more dubious career team records such as most goals allowed (1,185), and most penalty minutes (66). He also has most playoff experience for any Kings goalie, and holds team playoff records for most games played (57), and most wins (26).

Career Kings Stats

Games played: 360

Wins: 145

Save percentage: .894

Shutouts: 10

Best Season

1991-92 (Kings record: 35-31-14, second in division)

Games played: 60

Record: 26-17-13

Goals against average: 3.37

Save percentage: .897

Shutouts: 1

No. 1: Rogatien Vachon (1971-1978)

Was there ever any doubt that the best goalie in the history of the Los Angeles Kings franchise is "Rogie" Vachon?

The iconic net-minder holds many of the franchise's records, including:

Career games by a goaltender: 389

Career wins: 171

Career shutouts: 32

Rogatien Vachon was also the first Los Angeles King to have his jersey retired.

Career Kings Stats

Games played: 389

Wins: 171

Save percentage: Stat not kept by NHL during his tenure with Kings

Shutouts: 32

Best Season

1976-77 (Kings record: 34-31-15, second in Division)

Games played: 68

Record: 33-23-12

Goals against average: 2.72

Save percentage: N/A

Shutouts: 8