Kings’ Jonathan Quick resumes practice with team
By Pamela Rios
Jonathan Quick is reportedly back on the ice.
Los Angeles Kings fans are feeling a bit optimistic these days.
Mainly because the team is in the midst of a four-game winning steak and has a hold on the first wild-card spot in the west.
However, more reason to celebrate emerged this week with news of goaltender Jonathan Quick resuming hockey duties with the team.
According to LA Kings Insider Jon Rosen, Quick was seen engaging in some light practice with a limited group of shooters on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old 2016 Vezina finalist was injured way back in the season opener after sustaining a groin injury making a late-period save.
He was immediately placed on the IR list and had yet to see any ice time since then until this week.
Per Rosen, Kings head coach Darryl Sutter confirmed that Quick was also accompanying the team on its upcoming four-game eastern road trip.
Quick on the opposite end of the rink working with Ranford. Practiced briefly with teammates. Still a ways away, but this indicates progress
— LA Kings Insider (@lakingsinsider) February 2, 2017
Despite this good news, however, it’s believed that no change is being made to Quick’s scheduled March return.
Quick, meanwhile, expressed his frustration at being away from the team for so long but remained hopeful in the team’s plan for his full recovery.
Of course, Quick’s return has been anything but hurried by the organization given the outstanding season-long play by replacement Peter Budaj.
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The 34-year-old Budaj is currently posting elite-level stats with a 2.01 GAA and .922 SV%. He also co-leads the league in shutouts with six.