Sheng Peng: Dusty Imoo on Peter Budaj's Mental Evolution Kings goaltending development coach on how Budaj's evolving mental approach has changed everything, what makes him an effective coach, and whether he or Ranford is a better goalie now

I remember people calling me crazy for saying that Budaj could be as good on this team as Quick was because he looked more focused than Zatkoff. Good to see another player come to LA and revitalize their career.

It's also good to see the young bloods on defense stepping up their game.

I thought budaj should have been backup to Quick from the start. I never really thought zatkoff was a very good goaltender. He had a good run with PIT last year but that's all.

Nice to see Budaj doing well. He was a great "team guy" in MTL and really got a raw deal when he was dealt to make room for Condon.

Great interview! It's soooooo true about what Dusty says on many different areas regarding goaltending and life in general, I really appreciated this blog.

Budaj has definitely resurrected his career. Big props to him for saving the Kings season. I really didn't believe in Z at all. Hopefully Budaj can keep it going. I noticed he had some problems with rebound control and our defence managed to save him a few times but overall he's been excellent and fortunately we have him.

Thanks again for a great idea interview.

Sheng Peng: Dusty Imoo on Peter Budaj's Mental Evolution
Kings goaltending development coach on how Budaj's evolving mental approach has changed everything, what makes him an effective coach, and whether he or Ranford is a better goalie now
- Sheng Peng

Great Interview.
Thanks

I remember people calling me crazy for saying that Budaj could be as good on this team as Quick was because he looked more focused than Zatkoff.
- kingsfan626

Personally, I think Budaj's success has more to do with LA's defensive structure than him being more focused. Not taking any credit away from Budaj, he's the one who's stopping the puck. But among goalies with over 300 5v5 mins this year, his Average Shot Distance Against is 39.58 ft, which is the easiest in the NHL. In contrast, Hutchinson is facing a league-worst 26.28.

Zatkoff hasn't really received his full opportunity yet. One bad game VS Philly, then a couple injuries.

He had a good run with PIT last year but that's all.
- KINGS67

Zatkoff played adequately in 2013-14 too. I wouldn't count him out yet.

He was a great "team guy" in MTL and really got a raw deal when he was dealt to make room for Condon.
- mlindsay

He was definitely well liked in the Ontario locker room for that reason. Calming, selfless influence on locker room. Seems like it translated to LA.

I noticed he had some problems with rebound control and our defence managed to save him a few times but overall he's been excellent and fortunately we have him.

Thanks again for a great idea interview.
- verwustung

Thanks! Indeed, over his career, the statistics show that Budaj has had some issues with rebounds. They've popped up from time to time here, but like you said, the LA defense has cleaned up after him.

Great Interview.
Thanks
- wrister

Thank you!