Kings’ David Rittich expected to start Game 4 vs. Oilers
Los Angeles Kings’ head coach Jim Hiller told reporters Sunday that David Rittich is expected to start Game 4 of their seven-game series against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
In Los Angeles, head coach Jim Hiller tells reporters the Kings will start David Rittich in Game 4
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 28, 2024
It will be Rittich’s postseason debut with the Kings. He has appeared in two previous playoff games, both in relief, for the Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators.
The Oilers are up 2-1 in the series after winning 6-1 on Friday. Edmonton won the first game of the series 7-4, then the Kings evened up the series with a 5-4 victory last Wednesday.
In 2023-24, the 31-year-old Rittich appeared in 24 games, starting in 22 and compiling a 13-6-3 record with a .921 SV% and 2.15 GAA. Through eight seasons, Rittich has a 92-57-24 record with a .906 SV% and 2.78 GAA in 196 appearances with the Kings, Winnipeg Jets, the Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Flames.
Cam Talbot, who finished the season with a 27-20-6 record and .913 SV% in 54 appearances, has struggled with through the series, giving up a total of 16 goals through the first three games, totalling a save percentage in .861.
In 11 career seasons, Talbot has a 245-176-42 record with a .913 SV and 2.63 GAA in 486 appearances with the Kings, Ottawa Senators, Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers and Oilers.
The Kings went 44-27-11 with 99 points in the season, finishing third in the Pacific Division. They started the season with Todd McLellan as head coach, who went 23-15-10 before being fired on Feb. 2, replaced by Hiller.
In the final 34 games of the season, Hiller went 21-12-1, helping the Kings secure a playoff spot.
Forward Adrian Kempe led the Kings in scoring through the season, scoring 27 and 47 assists for 75 points in 77 games. Through the first three games of the series, he and Quinton Byfield lead the club with four points.