Jones helps Leafs snap three game skid with 3 0 win over Kings

Martin Jones of the Toronto Maple Leafs managed a remarkable 32 saves in his 30th career shutout, while his teammate William Nylander netted two goals that helped their team break their three-game losing run with a 3-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings. The victory was also marked by Calle Järnkrok’s goal and Tyler Bertuzzi’s two assists, as the Leafs’ began their California tour on a strong note. For the Kings, Cam Talbot stopped 26 shots, but couldn't prevent the team from losing three straight games for the first time this season.

Interestingly, Jones, who started his National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Kings, recorded his second shutout after re-entering the NHL recently. Impressively, his career shutouts now place him 71st in the league history, tying him with three including Talbot.

Nylander’s scoring prowess came to the fore in the second period with his opening goal and a final empty net goal, taking his season's tally to 19. Järnkrok followed up soon, three minutes later, taking advantage of a smart pass from Bertuzzi to score a backhand goal.

There was drama when the Kings thought they had managed to score past Jones, but the goal was disallowed as officials ruled Quinton Byfield had pushed Jones’s left pad into the net along with the puck. With injuries and performance issues plaguing the team’s regular goalkeepers, it's been Jones who has stepped up admirably in the goalpost for Toronto.

Interestingly, Jones started his journey as an undrafted free agent with the Kings in 2008; today, he’s an integral part of the Leafs, having played in eight of their last 10 games. Up next, the Maple Leafs are set to face Anaheim on Wednesday, while the Kings host Detroit on Thursday. (Credit: AP)