LOS ANGELES, CA – The Toronto Maple Leafs snapped their losing streak in impressive fashion with a 3-0 shutout win against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday. Goaltender Martin Jones was pivotal in the victory, making 31 saves to secure his second shutout of the season.
William Nylander led the offensive charge, scoring twice to reach the 50-point milestone this season, a feat that places him among the fastest in Maple Leafs history to do so. Tyler Bertuzzi also played a key role, contributing two assists in a game that saw the Maple Leafs (18-10-7) demonstrate both resilience and tactical acumen.
Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe praised his team’s determined effort from the start, highlighting the sense of mission that drove them to victory. The win comes as a much-needed boost for the Maple Leafs, who had been experiencing a rough patch with three consecutive losses.
Cam Talbot, in net for the Kings (20-9-5), made 26 saves but couldn’t prevent the Maple Leafs from finding the back of the net. The Kings, who were shut out for the first time this season, saw their own three-game losing streak extended.
Nylander’s opening goal in the second period set the momentum for Toronto. His one-timer, set up by a combination of Bertuzzi’s forecheck and John Tavares’s feed, showcased the Maple Leafs’ offensive capabilities. Calle Jarnkrok’s goal, also assisted by Bertuzzi, further solidified Toronto’s lead.
Jones’ performance was a standout, with the goalie emphasizing his focus on simplicity and positioning. His effort was crucial in denying the Kings any opportunity to score, including making key saves in the second and third periods.
Nylander’s empty-net goal in the closing moments of the game not only sealed the win but also marked his 50th point of the season in just 35 games. This achievement places him alongside Maple Leafs legends Lorne Carr, Doug Gilmour, and Darryl Sittler in terms of reaching the 50-point mark in fewest games.
The Kings, faced with the challenge of jump-starting their offense, saw coach Todd McLellan reshuffle the top three lines after falling behind. However, the changes were not enough to overcome Toronto’s stronghold on the game.
Notable mentions from the game include Max Domi extending his assist streak to three games and Drew Doughty of the Kings tying Brian Leetch for 10th among defensemen with one franchise in career games played.
This win for the Maple Leafs not only ends their losing streak but also demonstrates their capacity to rebound strongly. For the Kings, the search for answers continues as they aim to snap their own losing skid and regain their earlier season form.
