It’s Unfair to Blame the Backup Goalie

The Times’ headline (April 6) declares that the Kings fall a goalie short in their loss to Edmonton in the first playoff game. Certainly Kelly Hrudey has been a strong acquisition and his flu-induced absence in the first game hurt the Kings’ chances.

But what more could have been asked from Glenn Healy, barely over the flu himself? In the third period, when Healy gave up the tying and winning goals, why wasn’t blame equally assigned to the rest of the Kings? Surely it was only a matter of time before any goalie, particularly one in weakened condition, would wear down.

KENNETH J. PORTER

Rancho Cucamonga