The Kings tied a franchise record by using seven goalies this year. Who would have guessed that this organization had so many goaltending options, such that five different individuals would be up for two playoff spots on the farm. Go figure… Let me run this down in no particular order:
• Daniel Taylor;
• Jonathan Quick;
• Erik Ersberg;
• Jonathon Bernier;
• Jeff Zatkoff (newly signed after his run to the Elite Eight with the Miami Redhawks);
A scant a week ago, I mentioned that the future started
then with Bernier going to Manchester after his Lewiston Maineacs got knocked out of their play-off hopes. The future also becomes the present with Zatkoff who just signed his own three year entry level contract. That sure makes for one crowded piece of real estate. A quick and dirty of Zatkoff’s collegiate game seems in order.
“Zatkoff, 20, recently finished his junior season with Miami University (Ohio) posting a 27-8-1 record with a 1.72 goals-against average, .933 save percentage and three shutouts. His 1.72 goals-against average and .933 save percentage were both ranked first in the CCHA (Central Collegiate Hockey Association) and second nationally. His 27 wins were second in the CCHA and tied for second in the nation. Zatkoff was also named to the CCHA All-Tournament Team last month.”
Zatkoff signing Zatkoff Miami Redhawks Player Profile Zatkoff’s Diving Save Zatkoff at an NCAA Press Conference
A Michigan vs. Miami game came center stage this year per the Michigan Daily who wrote this in game blog:
“On Feb. 9 The Wolverines and RedHawks battled to a 5-5 tie, and since that epic contest, a rematch in the CCHA Tournament finals seemed just about inevitable.
And it’s finally here. But the road to the finals was a little closer than both teams would have liked. Miami had to net a game-tying goal with 3.4 second against Notre Dame last night to force overtime, eventually winning on an Alec Martinez (Kings’ property) slapshot.
(Michigan player) Porter’s not going to see too many like that. He intercepted a pass in the Miami zone, and advanced on Zatkoff all alone. Porter went top shelf, glove side, but Zatkoff made a clutch glove save to avoid falling behind 2-0.”
Zatkoff stops a one on none
As a teaser as to the possibilities, this is how “Inside College Hockey” described any team Zatkoff back stops:
“Whether or not they're scoring, goaltender Jeff Zatkoff gives Miami a chance to win every night.”
Inside College Hockey on Zatkoff
After Ersberg’s amazing run with the Kings after LaBarbera’s injury, logic would dictate that he would backstop Manchester in their confirmed play-off run which begins next week. Guess again…
“Manchester's logjam was eased this week since rookie Erik Ersberg, who finished the season as the Los Angeles Kings' starter, will forego the AHL playoffs and try out for Sweden's national team. That means promising rookie goaltender Jon Bernier, who started the season as Los Angeles' number one, will likely be the starter carrying the Monarchs' playoff hopes. He will be backed up by rookie Jon Quick. Manchester will probably bring in a third goaltender for the playoffs for emergency backup. And this week the Monarchs welcomed the return from Los Angeles of puck carrying defenseman Peter Harrold.”
Manchester Play-Off Preview
The Kings may be out of the play-offs, but the Monarchs getting in to the dance at the AHL level
sans any real veterans is no small feat. Credit this organization’s new found depth fo that.
Carla Muller Carla.hockeygal@att.net
Carla Muller
Crowded Crease 
