Jonathan Bernier: Chomping At The Bit

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EL SEGUNDO, CA — Even for those who follow the Los Angeles Kings, it is rather astonishing that they have developed their own number one goalie just once in their more than forty years in the National Hockey League.

That netminder was Mario Lessard, who won 35 games for the Kings and was named to play in the NHL All-Star Game in the 1980-81 season.

Lessard played four seasons as the Kings’ number one goalie from 1978-80 through the 1981-82 season, with his 1980-81 performance being his best by far. Lessard faded into obscurity after that.

Of course, the Kings best goaltender was Rogie Vachon, but he was not drafted and developed by the Kings. Neither were Kelly Hrudey or Felix Potvin, two of the Kings other notable netminders. As for the rest? The vast majority have reminded fans more of a sieve than a legitimate National Hockey League goaltender.

Moreover, the only one in that list who could be considered an elite netminder was Vachon, who often single-handedly won games. But that could change soon, as the Kings just might be developing, not only a legitimate number one goaltender, but a elite one at that. Read more of this post