GDT: Kings@Hurricanes 4PM PST

[kingsholygrail]

Budaj has made it his mission this season to prove he can play at the NHL level. Kings are benefiting from his motivation, but he's had plenty of games where "old Budaj" shows up and it's ugly. I think Ranford and the rest of the coaching staff have done wonders for his confidence and skills(I include the coaches down in the AHL). Just hoping he keeps it together the rest of the way out. No one behind him can pick up the slack, ha ha.

I actually think Budaj is a legit Masterton candidate this season.

 

[TcTap]

Actually I think this board is very easily swayed by good/bad games. Budaj is an average goaltender at best. He would have much worse stats if he hadn't had Doughty and co. in front of him and certainly isn't someone you want as a starter in play-off. You can't afford to let softies in during play-off and need goalie to catch all of clear shots. Budaj would probably make a good backup for Quick, though I still don't think that Zatkoff is bad. If Kings trade Budaj to some team with worse defense, he will arguably get send to farm.

I like Budaj just stating the facts

 

[Choralone]

Budaj's had some stinkers, but so had Quick. I think he's performed well beyond our hopes and deserves whatever accolades he gets.

 

[johnjm22]

Budaj has been above average.

He was the best goaltender in the AHL last year, now he's having a career year in the NHL. Coincidence? More than likely he's just playing well AND benefiting from playing behind a team with a good defensive structure.

I think it's funny when people talk about "bad games" and "soft goals," every goaltender in the NHL has those.

 

[TcTap]

Let's wait for next game where Budaj gets 3+ and see how quickly this board will turn on Budaj and start crying for Quick. Yeah, every goalie has softies from time to time. The thing is he has many softies AND isn't confident on clear shots. Modern NHL goalie shouldn't let any clear shots in.

One of the reasons I think Kings are so strained offensively is because they always have to worry about losing puck and quick counter attacks. They dont have a confidence in Budaj to bail them out, because he sometimes does and sometimes doesn't (just like an average goalie).

 

[kingsholygrail]

Quick is replacing Budaj when he comes back. I'm pretty sure no one on this board doubts that.