Article Written By: Adam Wible
Wednesday night made for an exciting night of hockey, having the top 3 teams in the West in action.
The hottest team in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Kings, continue to roll. Winning 5 in a row, the Kings have everything going right for them as of late.
Wednesday night was no different. Finishing up their second game over the boarder, the Kings out scored the Canadians/Leafs a combined 6-1. Losing world class goaltender Jonathan Quick, the backups have been flat out amazing. Ben Scrivens and Martin Jones are playing on quicks world class level. The backup to the backup, Martin Jones, was on his game last night at the Air Canada Centre.
Jones saved 38 of 39 shots north of the boarder and continues his perfect NHL career to 4-0. “I’m starting to get a little more comfortable out there.” Jones said. “I don’t think today was my most solid game that I’ve had, some rebounds here and there. I know there’s a lot of work to do, not every game is going to go as good as these last few. I’ve just got to make sure I keep working and keep trying to get better.”
Things started off well for the Kings, as Drew Doughty put a wrist shot power play goal in half way through the opening frame, for his 8th of the season. With about 5 minutes to go in the second period the Leafs were able to tie things up. On a power play goal of their own, from Cody Franson. Tied going into the third, the game looked to be getting away from LA.
This was not the case. The kings came out and dominated the third period. Picking up a pair of goals from Jeff Carter and Kyle Clifford, the game ended with a 3-1 final in favor of LA. The Kings continue their road trip across the boarder tomorrow, in Ottawa.
Emery’s homecoming spoiled by Blackhawks.
In his first game game back since helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup last season, Ray Emery had his hands full. The Blackhawks known for being aggressive and high powered, were just that against the Flyers. Scoring 6 times on just 18 shots against, Chicago was just clicking on all cylinders. The Hawks ended the game on a 7-1 scoring run and rookie goaltender Antti Raanta continues to 5-0-1 on the season.
Flying V at home in Anaheim.
In a closely contested contest, Jonas Hiller got the best of Josh Harding. The Ducks goalie was able to hold on, and provide phenomenal defense to secure the 2-1 victory. Hiller made 23 saves on 24 chances Wednesday, to maintain the 4 game winning streak. The Southern Cal teams are red hot, and have a combined 9 game winning streak.
Top 5 games tonight.
Buffalo @ Ottawa 7:30 pm EST
Detroit @ Tampa Bay 7:30 pm EST
Toronto @ St. Louis 8:00 pm EST
Carolina @ Calgary 9:00 pm EST
Minnesota @ San Jose 10:30 PM EST *Game of the Night
My Picks.
Buffalo 3-2, Detroit 4-2, St. Louis 3-1, Carolina 2-0, and San Jose 4-2