By Jordan Long
The NHL trade deadline is tomorrow at 1 PM Mountain time. The L.A. Kings currently sit at 30-27-4 for a total of 64 points. They are 2 points behind the St. Louis Blues for the second Wild Card spot. They made a trade on Sunday in hopes of returning to the postseason. The Kings acquired goaltender Ben Bishop from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Kings sent goalie Peter Budaj, defensive prospect Erik Cernak, and a 7th round pick in this year’s NHL draft to Tampa Bay.
Bishop played well for Tampa Bay this year. He posted a record of 16-12-3 with a 2.55 goals against average. Bishop’s save percentage is an impressive .911. Those are pretty decent numbers and the Kings are hoping Bishop can help them make the playoffs. If they do, he brings plenty of postseason experience to the Kings, with a record of 21-13 and a goals against average of 2.09.
The Kings are now better defensively with this move. Bishop must make the tough saves to keep them in games. The Kings need to allow him to see the puck and play decently in front of him by moving the puck out of their defensive zone.
The Kings had to make this trade. Jonathan Quick, the Kings starting goaltender, has missed 59 games due to a severe groin injury. He is now back in time for the stretch run. The Kings don’t know how healthy Quick is. They will have to split time between Bishop and Quick to decide who should start if they make the playoffs.
The Kings have the opportunity to play themselves into the postseason. It will be up to the goaltending of Bishop and Quick. They must play well and keep the Kings in games. If they fail, the Kings will fall further behind the St. Louis Blues for that second Wild Card spot. Hopefully this trade works out for them.
What do you think of the Kings making this move for Ben Bishop?
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