After the Kings helped him unlock his potential, Darcy Kuemper is repaying Rob Blake and the franchise by posting some of the strongest numbers of his career.

Until he can get more positive results, he won't pose much of a threat to Darcy Kuemper's role as the Kings' top goalie. Rittich likely won't have to wait long for his next start -- the Kings have a road back-to-back up next with games in Dallas and St.

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) reacts as St. Louis Blues left wing Jake Neighbours (63) celebrates his goal with left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) during the first period

Kuemper stopped 26 of 32 shots in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Stars. The Stars led 3-1 after one period, but head coach Jim Hiller didn't pull Kuemper. This likely indicates that David Rittich will handle the second half of a back-to-back when the Kings visit the Blues on Saturday,

Slated to start Friday

Defenseman has goal, 2 assists; Hayton records 1st NHL hat trick for Utah LOS ANGELES -- Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists in the Los Angeles Kings’ 5-3 win against the Utah Hockey Club at Crypto.

The first time Darcy Kuemper played for the Kings, he played well. He just didn't play often. As the backup to Jonathan Quick, who became the winningest American-born goalie in NHL history, Kuemper saw less ice time than the Zamboni driver in the half-season he spent in L.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Darcy Kuemper for fantasy hockey. Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper earned his fourth-straight victory on

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Darcy Kuemper for fantasy hockey. Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper will pick up his 31st

After the Kings helped him unlock his potential, Darcy Kuemper is repaying Rob Blake and the franchise by posting some of the strongest numbers of his career.

Quinton Byfield and Trevor Moore score in regulation and Kevin FIala converts in the shootout, but St. Louis beats them for the second time in five days, 3-2. The teams square off again Saturday

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) reacts as St. Louis Blues left wing Jake Neighbours (63) celebrates his goal with left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) during the first period