(Los Angeles) Goaltender David Rittich will defend the Los Angeles Kings’ nets in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
Rittich will replace Cam Talbot as the Kings fall behind 2-1 in the 4 of 7 series.
Talbot started the first three games of the series. The 36-year-old veteran has a .861 save percentage and a 5.30 goals-against average since the start of the playoffs.
Rittich played his last game on April 13 and scored a 3-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks. Rittich, 31, posted a .921 save percentage in 24 games this season.
This will be Rittich’s third career playoff game, and his second start. He has allowed eight goals on 22 shots so far in his career.
For their part, the Oilers will make a minor change to their lineup, as Derek Ryan will replace Sam Carrick at the center of the fourth line.
This will be his first game since the start of the playoffs. In 70 games this season, he has five goals and seven assists.