I've obviously been a huge, thankful and reverent fan of JQ for pretty much his entire career with the LAK. So when it came time to choose a number for my lil' Kings themed Cooper hotwheel... my decision was an easy one.
cupface
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Preliminarily, JQ has given us all so much joy/relief that he could retire tomorrow and be rightly beloved by Kings fans forever.
That said, let’s not start ****ing each other’s ****s just yet.
He’s had a nice week to ten days at the right time after an un-confidence-inspiring season.
Last night was a stark reminder that he can let one in at ANY time - often THE single most deflating time - and that his puck-playing skills have not improved since 10 years ago.
Well done on earning the playoff job to start and we’ll see whether he threads the line between Hasek and just look-at-me sound and fury signifying nothing.
Thanks to Quick now, the Kings are again (like before all the injuries) beginning to resemble a team that could give other teams fits in the playoffs. Quick is playing like this could be his last significant cup run.
Never underestimate the hot goalie factor in the playoffs. Of all the major team sports, hockey is the one game where one player can have a huge impact on the outcome of the playoffs.
In baseball I've seen one hot batter carry a team to a championship (Reggie Jackson first comes to mind). As for a hot pitcher, unfortunately they don't play every game, so it's not the same.
In football a hot running back or receiver or quarterback can carry a team to an extent...but there are way too many variables.
But in hockey, a hot goalie can carry a team pretty damn far. Roy for the Canadiens in 1993 is a perfect example. Same for Hasek in 2002 for the Wings and Brodeur for the Devils and Giguere for the Ducks in 2003. And yes, Quick for the Kings in 2012.
So happy to see Quick on his game again. Who knows how far we can go if he stays hot?