NHL Darcy Kuemper is facing an emotional game

NHL: Darcy Kuemper is facing an emotional game

Darcy Kuemper only played one season with the Colorado Avalanche, but he will remember it for ending by winning the Stanley Cup. The return to Denver is therefore very emotional for the Washington Capitals goalkeeper.

• Also read: “Shameful” comments on Jakob Pelletier: Sutter shocks the ice hockey planet

• Also read: Rick Tocchet’s contract has been revealed

Kuemper was acquired by Avalanche in July 2021 and went 37-12-4 in the regular season with a 2.54 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. He then signed 10 of his 16 wins in the playoffs en route to ordination.

“It’s been a very special year,” Kuemper commented, according to the official National Hockey League (NHL) website. It’s only been a year but it will be a lot of fun to be back. Obviously some of the best times of my life happened last year.”

Kuemper isn’t the first change of scenery, sporting the colors of a fifth team at the Bettman track. He hasn’t had too much trouble adjusting to his new environment, but he’s still very happy to get through that first game in Denver on Tuesday.

“It’s always a bit weird playing against your old team. So it’s okay to get rid of the first one.”

Repeat

However, despite the good times, Avalanche and Kuemper’s divorce seemed inevitable due to a lack of space under the salary cap. The club decided last summer to take over Alexandar Georgiev from the New York Rangers. Kuemper approached the Capitals and signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract as a free agent.

Now he hopes to be able to build on the successes of last spring with his new team. And the least we can say is that he trusts Alexander Ovechkin and co. to make it happen.

“I think there is no limit [à ce que peut accomplir cette équipe]said the guard. We have a lot of guys who have won everything and we have a lot of experience in this dressing room. We showed what we can do when we do our best. Now all we have to do is push to be on top of our game for as many games as possible.

This season, Kuemper boasts a 14-12-4 record, a 2.55 GAA and a .917 savings percentage. However, he has suffered just three regular-time losses in his last 16 starts.