By Canadian Press

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

Jan 2, 2024 | 11:46 PM

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Martin Jones made 32 saves for his 30th career shutout, William Nylander scored two goals and the Toronto Maple Leafs snapped their three-game losing streak with a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.

Calle Järnkrok also scored and Tyler Bertuzzi had two assists for the Maple Leafs, who began their three-game California road trip with a strong defensive effort in front of Jones, their unlikely first-choice goalie.

Nylander got Toronto’s opening goal in the second period and wrapped up the win with an empty-net goal, his 19th of the season.

Cam Talbot stopped 26 shots for the Kings, who have lost three straight for the first time this season. Los Angeles also has lost four of five at home after getting shut out for the first time this season.

Jones, who began his NHL career with the Kings, posted his second shutout since returning to the NHL last month. His 30 career shutouts tie him for 71st in league history with three goalies, including Talbot.

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After a scoreless first period, Nylander got the Leafs on the board early with a one-timer off a slick pass from Bertuzzi from behind the net.

Järnkrok scored three minutes later on a backhand after Bertuzzi found him in the slot with a wicked pass from the boards.

The Kings thought they had muscled one past Jones with 13:59 to play, but officials immediately ruled Quinton Byfield had pushed Jones’ left pad into the net along with the puck.

Jones has taken over for Toronto in net after Joseph Woll went down with a sprained ankle early last month and struggling Ilya Samsonov was waived and demoted to the AHL this week. Jones’ backup is Dennis Hildeby, a 22-year-old Swede who has yet to make his NHL debut after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022.

Jones joined the Kings as an undrafted free agent in 2008 and eventually played his way into the NHL, appearing on the roster of Los Angeles’ first Stanley Cup-winning team in 2012 and later earning a ring as Jonathan Quick’s backup for the second title run in 2014. Now 33 years of age, Jones didn’t make Toronto’s roster in training camp, but he has appeared in eight of the Leafs’ last 10 games.

UP NEXT

Maple Leafs: At Anaheim on Wednesday.

Kings: Host Detroit on Thursday.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press