Kings’ backup goaltender Jhonas Enroth is ready when called upon

This is/was life as Jonathan Quick’s backup:

You practice … a lot

You sit on the bench … a lot.

After 21 games, backup goaltender Jhonas Enroth of the Kings has appeared in five games, made four starts and Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes relieved Quick after the second period and was flawless. He is 3-1-0 with a goals-against average of 1.17 and a save percentage of .962.

Last season’s understudy, Martin Jones, had one win in three starts and appeared once in relief in the Kings’ first 21 games.

Enroth, signed as an unrestricted free agent July 1, appears to have that ideal mentality, unruffled at entering a game or getting the occasional start.

The psychology and approach are important.

“After 40 minutes, after a period is not that hard to go in,” Enroth said. “It’s a little bit harder to get in during the period. But at the same time, I think it is what you make it.

“If you are telling yourself it’s hard, it’s probably going to be hard. I’m just trying to tell myself to really just stop the next puck and stuff I’ve been doing before.

“It’s nothing new. Just trying to trust myself and stay relaxed.”

His ability to chill has served him well. Think about it: He essentially played too well for the lottery-bound Buffalo Sabres last season, leading to his February trade to the Dallas Stars.

His poise was noticeable earlier in his Sabres career. There was a TV feature on Enroth, showing a highlight against Carolina when his mask came loose. He tried to get the referee’s attention, couldn’t and simply flipped the mask onto the top of the net and made a save with his right leg.

Said then-Sabres Coach Lindy Ruff: “That’s the part that puts the smile on your face, that kid in goal.”

Ruff and Enroth were reunited in Dallas last season. Enroth referred to Ruff when he was talking about his relief appearances in goal and approach.

“I’ve actually been in that situation a lot of times especially last year when I played in Dallas,” Enroth said. “I had Lindy Ruff there. He likes to pull the goalie like that.

“Last year, I was pretty good at it. I had a couple of great games. I won a couple of games like that too. It’s something I think I’m pretty good at and it’s something I really take a lot of pride in.

“You don’t want to get put in like that, but when it happens you need to want to get in. It’s a little bit different situation.”

KINGS AT TAMPA BAY

When: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.

On the air: TV: Fox Sports West. Radio: 790

Etc.: Lightning forward Tyler Johnson, who has sat out three games because of an upper-body injury, is getting closer to returning to action. Tampa Bay on Wednesday recalled defenseman Luke Witkowski from its minor-league affiliate in Syracuse (N.Y.)

Follow Lisa Dillman on Twitter @reallisa