Who Is Martin Jones?
The date was June 11th, 2012. The Los Angeles Kings absolutely trounced the New Jersey Devils in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Forward Jeff Carter potted two goals in the game including the game and series winner. However, it was the play of goaltender Jonathan Quick that was deserving of the Conn Smythe Trophy for Playoff Most Valuable Player.
Flash forward only one year and sixth months later…
Kings starting goalie Martin Jones has become only the second goalie in NHL history to begin his career with 8 wins and 0 losses. The other goalie you ask? Philadelphia Flyers goalie Bob Froese (1982-83 season). Furthermore, Jones has won in style - posting an astounding .966 save percentage over the eight game stretch.
Martin Jones has more than filled in for Jonathan Quick, who is still recovering from a grade 2 groin strain which he sustained in a game on November 12th against the Buffalo Sabres. The Kings have witnessed no shortage of stellar play in their net. Ben Scrivens won a stretch of four straight games and boasting a .949 SVP over that period. But Scrivens, and no one for that matter has matched the play of 23 year old Martin Jones.
It's clear now that coach Darryl Sutter is committed to riding the hot goalie whoever that may be. And who can fault his instincts? The Kings are in 2nd place in the Pacific Division trailing only the Anaheim Ducks. What's more, L.A. currently holds down the 3rd spot in the staunch Western Conference. The Kings record is an impressive 25-8-4 at the 37 game mark.
Given the fact that the 2012 Kings limped into the playoffs as the 8th seed and promptly dispatched of the #1, #2, and #3 seeds in the West on their way to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, it's clear that the Kings always are a tough out no matter how they finish the regular season. One would think however that a team with a trio of net minders such as Jones-Scrivens-Quick will be an even stronger team in this year's playoffs. Based on each goalie's numbers, it seems obvious that whoever is in net will be able to more than handle the work load.
But I am curious most of all as to "who this mystery man is." The following is some biographical info on the Kings new phenom tender.
Let's hope that Martin Jones can win his next start against the Dallas Stars on Monday night (Dec. 23rd) at Staples Center, and then be in sole possession of the record for most wins to start a NHL career.
It is certainly still too early to crown Jones the goalie of the future for the Kings, but if he keeps playing like he's been playing it will be extremely arduous for Quick or Scrivens to return to the net.
Flash forward only one year and sixth months later…
Kings starting goalie Martin Jones has become only the second goalie in NHL history to begin his career with 8 wins and 0 losses. The other goalie you ask? Philadelphia Flyers goalie Bob Froese (1982-83 season). Furthermore, Jones has won in style - posting an astounding .966 save percentage over the eight game stretch.
Martin Jones has more than filled in for Jonathan Quick, who is still recovering from a grade 2 groin strain which he sustained in a game on November 12th against the Buffalo Sabres. The Kings have witnessed no shortage of stellar play in their net. Ben Scrivens won a stretch of four straight games and boasting a .949 SVP over that period. But Scrivens, and no one for that matter has matched the play of 23 year old Martin Jones.
It's clear now that coach Darryl Sutter is committed to riding the hot goalie whoever that may be. And who can fault his instincts? The Kings are in 2nd place in the Pacific Division trailing only the Anaheim Ducks. What's more, L.A. currently holds down the 3rd spot in the staunch Western Conference. The Kings record is an impressive 25-8-4 at the 37 game mark.
Given the fact that the 2012 Kings limped into the playoffs as the 8th seed and promptly dispatched of the #1, #2, and #3 seeds in the West on their way to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, it's clear that the Kings always are a tough out no matter how they finish the regular season. One would think however that a team with a trio of net minders such as Jones-Scrivens-Quick will be an even stronger team in this year's playoffs. Based on each goalie's numbers, it seems obvious that whoever is in net will be able to more than handle the work load.
But I am curious most of all as to "who this mystery man is." The following is some biographical info on the Kings new phenom tender.
Martin Jones
Birthdate: January 10th, 1990
Place Of Birth: North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
W.H.L. (Western Hockey League)
Calgary Hitmen (2006-2010)
- As a member of the Hitmen in 2009, Jones posted a 2.08 GAA with 7 shutouts, as well as watched his GAA go down to 1.86 throughout the playoffs. He also won 45 games eclipsing the Hitmen's previous goaltending record of 39 wins.
- Named to the WHL Second All-Star Team (2008-2009)
- Named to the WHL First All-Star Team (2009-2010)
- Named the WHL Playoff MVP (2009–10)
A.H.L. (American Hockey League)
Manchester Monarchs (2010-2013)
- Jones impressed the L.A. Kings organization in his 3 seasons with their AHL affiliate by never having a goals against average higher than 2.60.
- Played in the 2011 AHL All-Star Game
W.J.C. (World Junior Championship)
- Martin Jones also played 2 games for Team Canada in the 2010 World Junior Championships, splitting his two starts with 1 win and 1 loss.
- Jones backed up Jake Allen throughout the tournament; relieved Allen in the Gold Medal Game against the U.S.A. only to lose in overtime.
N.H.L. (National Hockey League)
- Jones went undrafted in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft but was offered a tryout with the Los Angeles Kings. He impressed and was offered a
- He was a spare for the Kings during their 2012 playoff run but did not play.
- Jones was called up on November 13th, 2013, after Jonathan Quick went down with injury.
- He has since posted an 8-0-0 record with a 0.98 GAA, .966 SVP, and 3 Shutouts (stopping a staggering 226 of 234 shots).
Let's hope that Martin Jones can win his next start against the Dallas Stars on Monday night (Dec. 23rd) at Staples Center, and then be in sole possession of the record for most wins to start a NHL career.
It is certainly still too early to crown Jones the goalie of the future for the Kings, but if he keeps playing like he's been playing it will be extremely arduous for Quick or Scrivens to return to the net.
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