One game into the Los Angeles Kings' 2016-17 season, the club was dealt a devastating blow, as franchise netminder Jonathan Quick was forced out with injury.

The veteran goaltender hasn't returned since, leaving the Kings' crease a certifiable mess. But following what looked to be the downfall of L.A.'s season, the team has seen an unlikely name play the role of savior - Peter Budaj.

With a 22-save shutout over the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday night, Budaj pushed his 2016-17 sum to five total shutouts - that's more than he's posted over the last six seasons combined.

Where exactly do Budaj's five goose-eggs rank league-wide? Second. Bested only by last year's Vezina Trophy winner Braden Holtby, and tied with this year's Vezina front-runners, Devan Dubnyk and Tuukka Rask.

Budaj has quietly been exceptional for the Kings this season, and it isn't as if he's only played a few games. The 34-year-old has 42 games under his belt this campaign - second-most in the league - and has looked consistently impressive over that span.

Among all goaltenders who have played the majority of 2016-17 - that is, at least 30 games - Budaj ranks 11th overall with a save percentage of .919. He ranks third overall in terms of goals-against average, with his mark of 2.06 sitting behind only Holtby and Dubnyk.

The wily veteran isn't threatening Quick's starting role any time soon, but there's no question Budaj has exceeded expectations so far this season.

A stingy Kings defense certainly helps - L.A. has allowed the fewest shots per game up to this point - but Budaj is holding up his end of the bargain, and living up to every penny of his one-year, $600,000 deal.

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