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Kings’ Jones silences Leafs for third shutout in eight starts

Toronto Maple Leafs v Los Angeles Kings

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Martin Jones #31 of the Los Angeles Kings makes a save on a shot by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Staples Center on January 12, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Kings goaltender Martin Jones doesn’t get many opportunities to fill in for Jonathan Quick, but when Jones does he’s often risen to the occasion, as was the case in Los Angeles’ 2-0 victory over Toronto Monday night.

It was Jones’ third shutout in just eight starts this season, although he got plenty of help from his defense tonight as the Maple Leafs were limited to 19 shots on goal. Jones now has a 2.07 GAA and .916 save percentage in 2014-15.

Anze Kopitar opened the scoring just 37 seconds into the game, but play continued because it was initially thought that the puck didn’t get past the line. Once there was a chance for the play to be reviewed, Kopitar was awarded his 10th marker of the season:

That was all the offense that this night provided, with the exception of Marian Gaborik’s empty net goal with a minute left in regulation time.

Although this wasn’t a bad game for the Maple Leafs, it nevertheless contributes to their recent descent. Toronto has won just three of its last 12 games. Over that span head coach Randy Carlyle has been fired and replaced by Peter Horachek, who is now 1-2-0.

For the Kings, this was a key win, both because it ended their three-game slump and given that the Cup champions are getting by without forwards Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson.

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