Kuemper named NHL’s Third Star of the Week, Burroughs activated, Kaliyev claimed by New York

Few bullets this morning, Insiders, as the Kings return to the ice momentarily.

First things first, a nice honor for Darcy Kuemper, who put together just an outstanding week of hockey. Kuemper was named as the NHL’s Third Star of the Week for his efforts. Kuemper stopped all 33 shots he faced on Wednesday in a 3-0 shutout victory over New Jersey, before he allowed just one goal in another 33-save performance, this a 2-1 victory over Tampa Bay on Saturday. Kuemper was the first star of the game on both days, a pair of Kings wins.

From the league’s official release –

Kuemper (2-0-0, 0.50 GAA, .985 SV%, 1 SO) stopped 66 of the 67 shots he faced to help the Kings (23-10-5, 51 points) extend their winning streak to four games dating to Dec. 28. He made 33 saves for his 33rd career shutout in a 3-0 triumph over the New Jersey Devils Jan. 1. Kuemper then made another 33 saves, denying every shot he saw after allowing a goal 1:09 after the opening face-off, in a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning Jan. 4. The 34-year-old Kuemper, who has points in nine straight appearances dating to Dec. 7 (7-0-2, 1.76 GAA, .937 SV%, 1 SO), owns an 11-2-5 record through 19 total outings this season. He ranks fourth in the League with a .920 save percentage and fifth with a 2.22 goals-against average (both minimum: 14 GP).

On the season now, among qualifying goaltenders, Kuemper ranks fourth in save percentage (.918) and a 2.22 goals-against average. As the team has improved its consistency and overall level of play, Kuemper has been a huge part of that. After twice missing time earlier in the season with a pair of unrelated lower-body injuries, Kuemper has a record of 6-0-2, with a .934 save percentage and a 1.86 goals-against average since he returned to action on December 10. He’s been among the league’s best goaltenders during that span and has been a driving force on a Kings team that rates among the best in the NHL.

I joined All The Kings Men for this morning’s episode, as Jesse Cohen and I named Kuemper as the King of the Week.

Good on you, Darcy. With three days in between games, we’ll see if he gets the nod on Wednesday as the Kings look to make it 5-for-5 coming out of the holiday break.

Secondly, the Kings made a pair of roster moves today.

Forward Arthur Kaliyev was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers, while defenseman Kyle Burroughs was activated back to the active roster, off of the non-roster.

Burroughs missed the game on Saturday against Tampa Bay after the birth of his first child. He is back on the ice today with the Kings and is expected to be an option on Wednesday against Calgary. Will check in with the new father this week as he returns to practice.

For Kaliyev, he was placed on waivers yesterday at 11 AM and his fate was learned today. Kaliyev heads home, growing up in Staten Island. Good for him.

The Kings are on the ice now, without defenseman Joel Edmundson. Edmundson took a really awkward collision in Saturday’s game versus Tampa Bay. He did return to the bench late in the third period but did not take another shift. Will look for an update on him after today’s skate.

Scary scene in LA as Joel Edmundson collides with Zemgus Girgensons while jumping to catch a pass and lands awkwardly on his neck 🫣

pic.twitter.com/O1MO72HfNm

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 5, 2025

More to follow after today’s practice!