Martin Jones gets back to work with the Kings after a memorable NHL debut

Martin Jones went back to work Thursday morning in El Segundo, which was to say, he stayed on the ice longer than most of his Kings teammates. In other words, he resumed his duties as the Kings’ fill-in backup goaltender a little less than 48 hours after an unforgettable NHL debut.

Jones was every bit as calm, cool and collected Thursday as he was during a 3-2 shootout victory Tuesday over the Ducks. He maintained the same remarkable composure while re-living the experience as he did during the event itself.

It might have seemed like a harrowing journey for the 23-year-old Jones, but he was as steady as a 10-year veteran as the Ducks closed with a flurry that included a two-man power-play advantage in overtime and ended with a nine-round shootout.

“It was an exciting time,” Jones said. “Obviously, I was excited with the result. But back to work today. We’ve got big games coming up, so it’s right back to work. I got a bunch (of congratulatory calls and texts) that night from back home and then the next morning from the guys in Manchester.”

Home for Jones is Vancouver, B.C., where his father joined the Kings for last week’s Father’s Trip to see the Kings face the Canucks and then the Sharks in San Jose two nights later. Jones’ only regret about his debut Tuesday was that his father and mother had to watch on TV.

“They were just happy and excited,” Jones said. “I think my mom is a little bit relieved. She was pretty nervous there. It was excited. It’s something I’ve worked for, for a long time. It’s nice to get that one out of the way. … It was a fun game, but it’s nice to get it out of the way and move on.”

There’s no telling when Jones might start again. Ben Scrivens played 10 consecutive games after No. 1 goalie Jonathan Quick suffered a groin strain Nov. 12 against the Buffalo Sabres that could sideline him until Christmas. The Kings don’t play again until Saturday’s home game against the New York Islanders.

 

 

 

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