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Kings' undrafted backups getting the job done in Quick's absence

When the Los Angeles Kings placed goaltender Jonathan Quick on inured reserve with a groin strain back on Nov. 25, the question became whether the team's depth in net could sustain his extended absence.

After a 6-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday backstopped by third-string goalie Martin Jones, it's becoming clear that he and primary backup Ben Scrivens are holding down the crease just fine.

In fact, Scrivens sits atop the NHL's leader board in save percentage and shutouts, and is second only to Minnesota's Josh Harding in goals-against average. 

Ben Scrivens Stat Martin Jones
7-2-4 Record 3-0-0
349 Shots against 75
329 Saves 73
0.943 Save Percentage 0.973
1.56 GAA 0.65
3 Shutouts 2

What makes this story even more remarkable is that both goalies went undrafted. Scrivens spent four years playing at Cornell University and signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Spring of 2010. He bounced up and down between the Maple Leafs and Marlies (AHL), and spent last season battling James Reimer for crease time prior to being traded to the Kings in the Jonathan Bernier deal.

Jones played junior hockey in Calgary with the Hitmen, served as Team Canada's backup for the 2010 World Junior Championship and was named the WHL's top goaltender that season. He too went undrafted, signed a deal with the Kings in 2010, and spent the past three years playing for the AHL's Manchester Monarchs.

With a record of 20-7-4, the Kings sit third in the Pacific Division, and have maintained a playoff position in Quick's absence. Their starter is expected to remain out until at least the end of December, meaning Scrivens and Jones will have every opportunity to show off the organization's goaltending depth for the foreseeable future.

Scrivens' next test is likely to come Wednesday against his former teammates in Toronto.

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