Player Spotlight: Darcy Kuemper

Often overlooked, Darcy Kuemper has quietly made a big impact in his short time with the Minnesota Wild.



Photo from twincities.com

"Kuemps" as he is called within the locker room, doesn't make those flashy saves we so rarely see on ESPN's top ten. Darcy plays a solid fundamental game, and when needed, has the athleticism to stretch out and make a clutch save. Kuemper seems to see the puck through screens with ease, and when he doesn't see the puck so well, he positions himself in a way that gives him a chance to make the save.

The 6'5" goaltender from Saskatoon, SK was the Wild's 6th round draft pick (161st overall) in 2009. Kuemper quickly found success. In the 2010 - 2011 season with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels he posted a 1.86 goals against average and a .933 save percentage in 62 games played. His performance was rewarded by the Del Wilson Trophy (WHL's top goaltender award) and the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (WHL's player of the year).



Photo from twincities.com

Kuemper was largely over shadowed by Matt Hackett, who was selected 3 rounds earlier in the same draft. Despite being the backup, Kuemper posted a better goals against average as well as a better save percentage than his partner between the pipes. However, trade deadlines can quickly reward a great backup.

On April 3rd, 2013 Matt Hackett was traded to the Buffalo Sabres as part of a deal to acquire Jason Pomminville. Kuemper would become the number one goaltender for the Houston Aeros, and a couple of injuries would bring him to hockey's biggest stage.

The Minnesota Wild fought their way into the playoffs during the 2013 season, squeaking in by winning their last game of the year. As the NHL playoffs tend to give, drama ensued before the puck dropped in game 1 of the conference quarterfinals. Niklas Backstrom sustained a lower body injury during pregame warmups, creating an urgent need for Kuemper to join them in Chicago. Josh Harding was able to make the start that night and completed the game without a backup.


After a dramatic overtime win in game 3, Kuemper was set to warm the bench for Josh Harding in game 4. The bench would stay warm for just one period. During the first period of game 4, Harding was mauled by Jonathan Towes. Harding would finish the rest of the period but was quietly replaced by Kuemper at the start of the second period. Against the most potent offense in hockey, Kuemper gave up 2 goals on 18 shots.

Despite a solid performance in game 4, Harding was healthy enough to play and would start game 5. 6:36 into the second period, Harding had allowed his 3rd goal of the game and was replaced by Kuemper. Under the circumstances, Darcy gave another solid performance allowing 2 goals on 15 shots. Unfortunately, the Wild suffered the loss and an end to their season.

The 2013 - 2014 season literally had it's ups and downs. Kuemper was called up to the Wild on five occasions. Backstrom and Harding seemed to be playing tag with respect to their injuries in the first part of the season. This resulted in Kuemper seeing limited time as backup to which ever goaltender ate his Wheaties that particular morning. Kuemper gave up 6 goals on 16 shots in two appearances during his limited duties.

On January 2nd, 2014 Kuemper was called up for the last time. His first game after the call up was spectacular. Kuemper gave up 1 goal on 40 shots and picked up his first NHL win against the LA Kings. From the time he was called up in January until the end of March, Kuemper was one of the top goalies in the league.

After three shaky starts towards the end of March, Kuemper was replaced by newly acquired goaltender Ilya Bryzgolov and listed as day to day with an undisclosed upper body injury. We later learned that Kuemper had suffered a concussion.

As Wally Pipp taught us, sitting out games can cost you your job. Ilya Bryzgolov was nothing short of brilliant during Kuemper's absence, losing only one game in regulation over 11 games. The Bryzgolov brilliance however, did not last in the playoffs. After giving up a two goal lead in game 1, Bryzgolov was releived in game 2 after allowing 3 goals on 14 shots. Kuemper entered the game and proceeded to shut the door. He faced another 14 shots and stopped them all. Was there any doubt who would start game 3?

In a must win game for the Wild, Kuemper was set to make his first ever Stanley Cup Playoff start. Over shadowed by a spectacular overtime game winner by Mikael Granlund, was Kuemper's shutout. The first time since 1936 that a goaltender recorded an ovetime shutout in his first playoff start. At this point in the playoffs, Kuemper had stopped all 36 shots he faced.

Game 4 featured very little work for the 205 lb netminder. Kuemper faced only eight shots through the first 57 minutes. Down by one goal with 2:40 left in the game, Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy pulled goaltender Semyon Varlamov. Excitment would ensue. Kuemper face 33 percent of his shots in less than 3 minutes. An unfortunate penalty by Ryan Suter left the Wild essentially short two players with their extra attacker. This had all the makings of another game 1 heartbreak. One things was different this game. The Wild had Kuemper in net. The Wild played great in front of Kuemper and with the help of a stickless Granlund and his selfless defense were able to pull out another win.

I've spoken to many people. I've seen many comments on social media. Why don't we have faith in Kuemper? Those of you that have doubts, take a look at his history. Keumper has consistently  been  a top 10 goaltender at every level he has played. The numbers say that Kuemper is our future. I am excited to see what he has to show us during the rest of the 2014 playoffs and into next season.