Goaltenders analysis

Here’s a look at the Kings’ two goaltenders…

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ERIK ERSBERG: He has played a total of 65 minutes this season, so there’s not much to analyze yet. Ersberg had a rough start to training camp because he had flu symptoms, then he had to hold off Jonathan Quick for the No. 2 spot. Ersberg hasn’t complained, which is consistent with his easygoing nature, and Terry Murray hasn’t expressed any particular regret about not getting Ersberg in a game. Ersberg became something of a fan favorite with his strong play at the end of last season, which made it easier to forget that he had been fairly inconsistent for Manchester throughout the season. Ersberg has quickness and good rebound control, but is he ever going to get an extended chance to show his skills?

JASON LABARBERA: Is there any player more debated than LaBarbera? Goalies tend to be viewed a bit like closers in baseball. Any time they make an error, they’re held up for public scorn. Yet even the greatest goalies make mistakes. The question is, how often do those mistakes take place, and do they occur in critical situations? Has LaBarbera been fantastic this season? No. Has he been awful? No. And that’s why there’s so much debate about him. The defense in front of him has improved this season, but he’s still prone to bad rebounds. He made a couple huge saves in the third period last night, but it’s still hard to shake the feeling that he’s just a placeholder until Jonathan Bernier or one of the other prospects is ready.

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