2012 AHL All-Star Game - notes on Zatkoff, Hickey, Stevens

The 2012 edition of the AHL All-Star game concluded tonight, with the Western squad defeating the guys from the East 8-7 in a shootout. Kings prospects Jeff Zatkoff and Thomas Hickey represented the Manchester Monarchs on the East team.

Zatkoff played the second period in net, facing 20 shots and surrendering there goals.

Hickey, who leads the Monarchs in plus/minus with a plus-14 rating, recorded zero points and took one shot in the game.

Kyle Palmieri, the Ducks first round selection at the 2009 NHL Draft, also picked up a goal for the Eastern Conference all stars.  He's split time between Syracuse (AHL) and Anaheim this season.

Andy Miele, last year's Hobey Baker Award winner (given to the top player in college hockey) - and a name Kings fans may remember from his stellar performance during Rookie Camp games in LA - had a goal, an assist and was plus-2. The Phoenix Coyotes signed him as a free agent last summer our of Miami (Ohio) University, the same school attended by Zatkoff and Kings defenseman Alec Martinez.

Prior to the game, the AHL held their annual Hall of Fame luncheon. Among the four honorees was Kings assistant coach John Stevens. He is one of only 16 men to win an AHL championship both as a player and as a head coach, having patrolled the blueline in over 800 games as a defenseman and later guided the Philadelphia Phantoms to the Calder Cup in 2004-05 after his playing days were over.

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Kings prospect Jeff Zatkoff makes life on the edge work

Just when you think you know the answer to the Kings goaltending depth, leave it to Jeff Zatkoff to change the question.

Originally selected by the team in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft, it was starting to seem like he was slipping a bit in the organization's overall rankings. Obviously, Jonathan's Quick and Bernier have solidified their place with the big club. However, even last year - when he was thought to be the starting goalie as the season started - he saw undrafted rookie Martin Jones steal his job and make it to the AHL All Star Game.

Yet, things are back on track for the 24-year old Michigan native. In the last 48 hours alone, he's been named the AHL Goalie of the Month and to this year's AHL All Star Game.

Although he's sitting on a 10-4-1 record at the moment, the season didn't start out so well. Sure, he went to Europe with the Kings, but upon returning home he was a little rusty.

"The biggest thing for me personally was getting into game action," said Zaktoff "I played, basically, one period during the pre-season. Then, I came in and played that first game vs. Springfield [AHL]. It was kind of like an exhibition game for me, in terms of finding my game. So, my first real game wasn't where it needed to be and I had some things to work on still. As I played more games I got more and more comfortable, especially with the things I was able to work on over the summer. It's all starting to come together form me."

That's a bit of understatement. His 2.04 goals-against average, .935 save percentage and 6-0-1 mark at home say things are going pretty well.

LA prospect Jeff Zatkoff named AHL Goalie of the Month

Jeff Zatkoff has reemerged as the top goalie in Manchester.

For those unfamiliar with the goaltending situation with the Kings top farm team, the Manchester Monarchs (AHL), here's a quick, watered down version...

Jonathan Bernier was the starting goalie there two years ago. Zatkoff was his understudy and was expected to be the number one guy last season. Things started out that way.  Yet, soon thereafter, rookie Martin Jones stole the show and his spot - riding his early season success all the way to the AHL All-Star Game. Then, Stella got her groove back and Zatkoff was strong down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Even so, Kings coaches and management continued to heap lots of praise on Jones during last summer's Development Camp and it looked like Jones would most likely get the bulk of starts in Manchester this season.

Zatkoff was selected to join the Kings as the 'third goalie' on their season opening trip to Europe. However, it was more for the experience than anything else.

Once he returned to the U.S., the Monarchs were off to a rough start and neither he nor Jones were looking too good in net, with highly inflated goals against numbers.

Well, all is forgiven and life has returned to normal.

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - October 24, 2011

It wasn't a good week for the slew of goaltending prospects throughout the Kings organization.

First off, in LA, Jonathan Quick kept Jonathan Bernier from getting any playing time - especially after posting three straight shutouts.

In the AHL, things went south for the Kings' top two prospects in Manchester. After giving up a total of five goals in his first four starts, Martin Jones gave up four goals on Wednesday night and another five on Friday. Ouch! Jeff Zatkoff fared only slightly better, giving up three goals in a 4-2 loss yesterday.

Down in the ECHL, JF Berube - who was looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-4 loss on opening night a week ago - was back in the net for Friday's game in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he gave up another four goals and the Ontario Reign lost 4-1.

Here's a quick look at several of the Kings' other top prospects...

Los Angeles Kings Prospect Report - October 17, 2011

This weekend looked to be a rough one for the Manchester Monarchs - the Kings top farm team. Their schedule saw them playing three road games, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Fortunately, they came out of it with a 2-1 record and scored a total of 15 goals. Martin Jones was in net for the two wins, giving up only one goal in each game. He's looked every bit the part of the goalie many have predicted a big season for - now giving up only five goals total in his four starts (1.26 goals-against average with a .956 save percentage). His only blemish on a 3-1 record was a game he lost 1-0 last weekend.

Jeff Zatkoff, who Jones split time with in goal last season, made his first start of the season in yesterday's 5-2 loss. He made 22 of 27 saves. It was his first game action of any kind in quite some time, as he accompanied the Kings to Europe as a three goalie.

Here are some additional early season notes on a few other Kings prospects:

DEFENSEMEN

Jake Muzzin (ranked second among the Kings top ten prospects heading into the season) - this weekend marked his returned to action after suffering a head/neck injury in training camp...he picked up a pair of goals in the three games played...was credited with seven shots on Goal in yesterday's game, doubling is season total to 14

Reign preview - Hardy behind the bench, Berube in net

Tonight marks the fourth season opener for the Ontario Reign, the Kings' ECHL affiliate.

For those who don't follow Southern California's premier minor league hockey franchise too closely, here's a quick crash course to bring you up to speed.

The Reign are owned by the Kemp family, who previously headed up the Long Beach Ice Dogs. They play in a beautiful building (Citizen's Business Bank Arena) some have called a mini-Staples Center - probably because it's also run by AEG.

In October 2008, the Reign played their first ECHL game, against the Bakersfield Condors, the same team they're playing tonight.

At the end of that inaugural season, the team made the playoffs - but, ultimately lost their first round match up with the Stockton Thunder in seven games. Former Kings first round draft pick Colten Teubert was with the Reign for a few games at the end of the season and for the playoffs. Current Manchester goalie, Jeff Zatkoff, was in net at the time and former Monarchs sniper Bud Holloway was among the group of forwards in Ontario.

They missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons, both of which brought mounting frustrations for the fan base and management. Part of the issue on the hockey operations side has been the fact the Kings haven't been sending them four to five players each season, like most other ECHL teams get (team president Justin Kemp spoke openly about the issue here).

Coach Karl Taylor, who also was in charge of managing the team's player personnel, left over the summer, taking an assistant coaching job in the AHL. The circumstances surrounding his departure are murky at best, as he's now working in the Canucks organization - the same team Kemp was negotiating with to bring on as a second NHL affiliate (again, discussed in greater detail in his MayorsManor interview linked above).

This season, the Reign are getting two additions with LA ties.

Drew Doughty, Davis Drewiske and their link to Kansas City

Inside the Sprint Center, Kansas City

Tonight's NHL pre-season game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings is sold out.

Now, I'm not sure if hockey fans in Kansas City are similar to the ones in California. But, I'm going to assume there is one major difference - when they look over the game rosters, they're going to skip right past names like Dustin Brown, Mike Richards and Anze Kopitar. The name they're probably most excited to see this evening is Davis Drewiske.

Wait...Davis Drewiske?

Yes, it was LA's seldom-used defeseman who scored the very first goal in the new building, back in 2008.

The game-tape - if there even is any - will show it wasn't a highlight reel goal though. In fact, with the Kings on the penalty kill, Drewiske was simply trying to clear the puck. The shot on goal wasn't picked up by St. Louis Blues goaltender Chris Mason and the Kings were up 1-0 early in the second period.

They held on to win the game 2-1, with the other goals coming from Brad Richardson (Kings) and Paul Kariya (Blues).

Something else took place that night that probably meant little, if anything, to the 11,603 in attendance - Drew Doughty played his first NHL game.

I think it's probably safe to assume there were a few more people hoping to see him tonight than even noticed him on the ice last time.

So, come to think of it, maybe hockey fans in Kansas City and Los Angeles do have something in common after all.

Here are the projected line-ups for the game.

Clarifying the goalie situation - from LA to KC to Europe

It's true - the same glass of water can be seen as half full or half empty, depending on your perspective.

With the latest round of roster cuts at LA Kings camp, one goaltender is headed to New Hampshire and another one will soon be packing for a trip to Europe.

On the surface, it may not seem like Martin Jones got the better end of the deal. However, he's now in Manchester preparing to be the starting goalie for the Monarchs.

Sure, Jeff Zatkoff will be joining the Kings on their trip to Germany and Sweden next week. However, it's highly unlikely he'll even dress for either of the two games being played.

Following the announcement of Jones being assigned back to the AHL, coach Terry Murray shared these thoughts on the young goaltender...

"Jonesy's played very well. He has a really good year in Manchester last year. It looks like he has the right demeanor, the right attitude and the right make-up to be a very good goaltender. His numbers coming from junior (WHL) right through last year in Manchester identify him to be a pretty good goaltender down the road. So, it's very important that all these young guys just continue to play (referring to Jones, Tyler Toffoli and Brandon Kozun, who were all cut from camp on Sunday). They're now in a more important role. They're going to play in critical games, critical minutes and critical situations. It's learning how to handle those situations. That's where you take the next step."

Over the weekend, Zatkoff spoke at length about his time in camp this year, his relationship with Bernier and even about the possibility of being the 'extra' goalie when the Kings head overseas. You can read his interview here.

Yesterday, Murray offered camp evaluations for the other top prospects just released - Kozun and Toffoli.

Later tonight, the Kings will play the Pittsburgh Penguins at the sold out Sprint Center in Kansas City. Jonathan Bernier is scheduled to be in net for LA, with Zatkoff backing him up. Jonathan Quick will start tomorrow in Colorado versus the Avalanche.

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LA Kings will take extra goalie to Europe - Jones or Zatkoff?

Martin Jones vs. Jeff Zatkoff

Which defensive prospect could potentially take Drew Doughty's spot in the Kings starting line-up on opening night isn't the only question coach Terry Murray is wrestling with as he prepares for the team's departure overseas.

Per NHL rules, teams opening in Europe are allowed to take an extra goaltender with them.

Just what he needs - more goalie drama.

Already bombarded with weekly questions about the 'Jonathan battle' - Quick versus Bernier - now he'll get to deal with 'the third goalie' inquires for the next week or so.

Although Murray has yet to reveal who will be going, this much is clear - it's expected to be one of the two goalies from Manchester, either Martin Jones or Jeff Zatkoff.

For now, Zatkoff says he's trying to put it out of his mind.

"I think we all knew the situation going in, Beriner and Quick are great goalies. Both could be number one in this league. I'm just trying to make the most of my opportunity when I'm out on the ice and prove that not only can I play here, but that I can win at this level too."

He also says he finally has his head clear, after letting the impressive start to Jones' rookie season get between his ears for a few months.

"I think I got caught up with everything that was going on earlier in the year (referring to Jones' strong play in net) and I wasn't playing to the best of my capability. As the year progressed, I was able to overcome that and play more of my game. My numbers the last third of the year, that's the way I'm capable of playing."

Date Night with your Los Angeles Kings

What started as an innocent conversation with Kings prospect Jake Muzzin quickly spawned an idea for an article.

Life as an NHL prospect probably isn't as glamorous as it may seem at times. Over the last two weeks, guys from all across North America have been housed out of a hotel in El Segundo, CA (which, for those of you reading this article out of state, let's just say - it's not Hollywood).

By day, they've been been working hard on and off the ice, under the tutelage of head coach Terry Murray and his entire staff. By night, well - they're starting to go a little stir crazy in their 20x20 rooms.

During out little chat, Muzzin encouraged me to go see 'Moneyball.' He says it very good, especially the work by Brad Pitt. On the other hand, he strongly does not recommend 'Drive,' saying it was too slow.

After practice today, Ray Kaunisto was already looking ahead - revealing he plans on taking Brandon Kozun out for 'date night' later this evening.

To get some varied perspectives from around the room, here are comments from a few of the other Kings prospects...

Tyler Toffoli - "We saw 'Contagion,' I wouldn't recommend it. It was really slow." (Jordan Nolan started laughing in the background and shaking his head side to side. He didn't approve of the flick either.)

Alec Martinez hopes to have money left over for new sticks

Martinez and Dean Lombardi (photo: C. Ikiri)

Earlier in the week, we had Kyle Clifford on to talk about his new equipment endorsement with Bauer - 'head to toe Bauer' as The Colonel said.

Meanwhile, although defenseman Alec Martinez may have signed a contract extension with the Kings this summer, he hasn't landed a stick deal yet. Nor does he even know which one prefers at this point...

"I'm still in the process of trying out a few different sticks," the 24-year old explained. "I have a couple Bauer sticks coming in the mail. I tried a couple before, but the curve was a little too big. Right now I like the Easton's, but I'm willing to give Bauer a shot. I used them in college and liked them a lot. I haven't used them in a couple of years, but I'll try 'em out."

Speaking of his college days - last month, he went back to his old stomping grounds in Miami, Ohio to help out for a few days.

"I was there skating for a week in August - they had a little pro camp for all the alum that are playing pro now. We were there working hard, but it's also nice because you get to see guys you don't get to see too regularly during the season. It's a good time, getting to (hang out) with some of your buddies and getting to know some of the newcomers in the program. Overall, it looks like their program is going in the right direction and hopefully they can have a great year."

LA Kings Summer Vacation - a chat w/ Jonathan Bernier

Jonathan Bernier (photo: D. Sheehan)

The long-rumored and highly speculated goaltending controversy in Los Angeles never really developed last season.

For anybody willing to listening, Kings coach Terry Murray proclaimed Jonathan Quick his starter prior to camp, during camp and numerous times throughout the season.

Then, Jonathan Bernier started off slowly when given a few chances in the early part of the schedule. Once the second half rolled around though, he posted very strong numbers, including a 4-0-1 stretch in March.

So, Murray surprised some people in the days before the playoffs when he proclaimed that Bernier would not even be considered for post-season play. Quick was going to play every minute of every game. Period. Although it was probably more like 'exclamation point!'

After splitting the first two games with the Sharks in their opening round series, the Kings were up 4-0 in game three and then collapsed on home ice - eventually losing 6-5 in overtime. Many saw it as an opportunity for Bernier to sneak into a game, either that night or in game four. It never happened.

Six nights later the Sharks won the series and summer was officially underway for the Kings players.

A few days ago, Bernier left for France. His brother plays hockey over there and the two will be training and spending time together for the next week. Before he headed overseas though, I spoke with him about the whole situation described above and a few more things, including trade rumors...

Who's that goalie? - new favorite game of Kings' Rich Clune

Jones and Zatkoff (photo: S. Slingsby)

Some guys like to kick the soccer ball around before a game. Others like to rock out to their ipod. Some like it loud, some like it quiet. Hockey players have are all sorts of pre-game rituals.

For Kings prospect Rich Clune, apparently checking the line-up isn't one of them.

Maybe it's not a big deal though. Like the Kings one-two punch in goal last season, with Jonathan's Quick and Bernier, Clune's Manchester Monarchs featured their own dynamic duo in Jeff Zatkoff and rookie Martin Jones.

Despite their stellar numbers between the pipes, it's not a position Clune has much interest in learning more about.

"Goalie is the toughest position in hockey to play," said Clune. "I can't even begin to walk a day in their shoes because I've never done it. It's a lot of pressure."

As for the play of one over the other, Clune started out with - "Jonesy could potentially be a starting goaltender in the NHL." He then quickly retorted with, "Zats is a little bit older and it might take him a little bit more time to develop and it's also about finding the right place and the right fit. He could also play in the NHL someday."

And then back the other way, "Jonesy is going to be a starter in the NHL one day, for sure. With goaltenders you can't really put a year on it though. Look how long it took Jon Bernier to get to where he is. And everyone knows how good he is."

LA Kings coaches heaping praise at goalie Martin Jones

Martin Jones (photo: Kasey Spatz)

You never quite know what you're going to get with a prospect.

Young forwards usually need to learn the defensive side of the game before being NHL ready. Defensemen tend to mature around the age of 24. Goalies, historically, take a little longer.

As is the case with LA's two Jonathans, Quick and Bernier, Martin Jones is probably a little ahead of the curve.

Only 21, he was signed as a free agent in October 2008. The following season he wrapped up his junior career in stellar style, being named the 2009-10 WHL Goaltender of the Year (behind a 2.21 goals-against average and .919 save percentage).

What did he do for an encore? He turned pro, went to Manchester (AHL) and practically stole the starting job from Jeff Zatkoff. In 39 games played, he posted a 23-12-1 record with a 2.25 goals-against-average and a .924 save percentage. He also was the starting goaltender in the AHL All-Star Game - yes, as a rookie.

Summing it up, he's pretty much sky rocketed to third on the team's overall depth chart in net.

As for his performance at Development Camp this week, here's what Head Coach Terry Murray and (former Stanley Cup winner, now) Goaltending Coach Bill Ranford thought of his performance:

Coach Murray - "This young man, to me, has maybe grown more than anyone on the ice right now (in camp). I've seen incredible change in maturity and composure. In sitting in and listening to the goaltender sessions they had before getting on the ice, he's very astute, very analytical, technical, well-spoken. He's a man. He's becoming a very intelligent person about the game and I think it just translates right into his game on the ice. We're seeing that big body, he's really grown a lot too, in a couple years now. We're seeing a player who's going to keep pushing it up here. He definitely needs more time and needs to be the number one guy in the American Hockey League and all of that stuff. We have a player on our hands here."

LA Kings Dev Camp 2011 - comments from Martin Jones

During the regular season I usually don't post game recaps. However, given the interest in Development Camp this summer, I'll have a full game report from today's scrimmage posted later tonight (link).

First though, here are some comments from Kings goaltending prospect Martin Jones.

Coming off an impressive first year in Manchester - where he went 23-12-1 in 39 games, with a 2.25 goals-against-average and .924 save percentage - he looked strong again in net today. He played the first half of the scrimmage (20 minutes of running time), gave up zero goals and stopped a flurry of activity in front of his net during the final two minutes of the half.

Afterwards, he answered some questions...

What do you see for yourself going into this fall's camp?

MJ: I'm going to work hard throughout the summer and I'm going to try and make the team. Obviously, with the numbers that they have, with (Jonathan) Bernier and (Jonathan) Quick coming back, it will be a tough task. But, my mindset is just going to be 'make the team.' From there, wherever I play it's just going to be a great experience and I need to make the most of it...This upcoming year I'll probably be back in Manchester, but it's not going to change my mindset.

What are the benefits of this camp for you personally?

Kings prospect Brandon Kozun says 'I'm ready for the NHL'

Brandon Kozun, 2009 Kings draft pick

If you're a prospect in the Kings organization right now, it's probably best to be a forward.

The goaltending situation in LA is set with Jonathan's Quick and Bernier. Manchester is even solid there too, with Jeff Zatkoff and Martin Jones.

Defensively, the Kings top-6 are arguably the best unit in the Western Conference and with Alec Martinez just inking a two year deal - well, that group seems to be set for next season.

Now, at forward, it's a different story. After the signing of Simon Gagne and the trade for Mike Richards, the first two lines are set. However, things are little more murky after that. Jarret Stoll, Trevor Lewis and Kyle Clifford are guaranteed three of the final six spots. Who will be playing with them is still yet to be determined though.

If you ask Brandon Kozun, he's highly confident he'll be one of them.

Check it out for yourself...

MM: As you look back on your first year in Manchester, what would you say you were able to learn from the coaching staff?

Los Angeles Kings - the 'All American' team

Final results from yesterday's poll are now in and things basically came down to three players capturing 75% of the voting totals - Dustin Brown, Tony Granato and Jonathan Quick.

While it's not totally surprising to see two current players do so well in the rankings, it's a least a little interesting that a few of the other players didn't get more recognition - especially considering their solid resumes.

In the end though, Brown and Quick tied for the top spot as the 'Best U.S. born player to play for the LA Kings.' Each captured 25%, Granato was a close third with 23%.

So, keeping with the theme, here's a look at the Kings' first team all-star group, comprised of purely American born players.

forward - Dustin Brown, Jimmy Carson and Tony Granato
defense - Jack Johnson and Mathieu Schneider
goalie - Jonathan Quick

Fortunately, on these type of lists you don't need a back-up goaltender - because the Kings, a franchise not exactly known for being rich in goaltenders, are even more thin when you start to mine the lists for American born netminders.

You'd probably have to hand the back-up role to Jeff Zatkoff, who has yet to even play in a single NHL game. The highly regarded prospect spent last season in Manchester, where he posted 20 wins with a 2.68 goals-against-average and .911 save percentage.

Once you get past the current Kings defensive core there aren't many blueliners with American roots either.  However, that could be changing in the years to come also, as GM Dean Lombardi and crew have added a number of talented U.S. defensemen to the organization recently - including Derek Forbort (first round 2010), Kevin Gravel (fifth round 2010), David Kolomatis (fifth round 2009) and Alec Martinez (fourth round 2007) and Patrick Mullen (free agent signing, 2009).

Forbort and Gravel are both scheduled for next week's Development Camp in El Segundo, CA.  They'll be two of the 11 defensemen in camp, a group that also includes six free agents.

Tomorrow I'll post an interview with one of those invitees, defenseman Pierre Durepos of the Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs.

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Interview with Derek Forbort - looking back on his freshman year and what's ahead

The Never Schennding Journey Continues

Have skates, will travel.

That could easily be the shirt young Brayden Schenn wears while bouncing from one airport to another.

His latest stop - Binghamton, New York, for the Manchester Monarchs third playoff game vs. the hometown Senators.

After some initial confusion about if he would make it there in time to be part of the game or not, Schenn did in fact arrive for pre-skate.

Then, he was announced in the building as a scratch - well, sort of...they announced 'Brandon' Schenn as being scratched. However, he did in fact play and picked up an assist in his return to the Monarchs, while finishing the night with a plus-3 rating.

In what was probably a rare occasion this season though, Schenn was not the story of the night.

Instead, it was the Monarchs incredible come from behind victory.

They spotted Binghamton a 3-0 before Martin Jones came in to relieve starter Jeff Zatkoff in the second period. Here's what followed...

Manchester Monarchs: Gm1 Notes, Quotes, Schenn Update

Last night the Manchester Monarchs opened their 2011 AHL Playoff run with a 2-1 win over the Binghamton Senators.

They received goals from defenseman David Kolomatis and center Corey Elkins. Justin Azevedo, Jordan Nolan and Viatcheslav Voynov picked up assists. Jordan Weal was a healthy scratch and Tyler Toffoli managed just one shot in the game.

Game two is tonight, again in Manchester.

Prior to the series starting, several Monarchs made there way to MayorsManor - including defenseman Thomas Hickey, forward Bud Holloway and goalie Martin Jones.

Below are a few additional comments from afar. First, former Monarchs defenseman Alec Martinez, then Ontario Reign coach Karl Taylor, followed by an update on when to expect Brayden Schenn in a Monarchs uniform this post-season.

Martinez on staying in touch - "I talk to a few of the guys pretty consistently. I talk to (Jeff) Zatkoff a lot.  He and I were roommates in college and played together growing up. We go way back and have known each other for a long time. So, we chat a lot. Plus, the guys I lived with - like Mullen and Hickey and Kolomatis."

MM: I hear Hickey is quite the prankster. Did he pull any good ones on you?

Five Questions with Monarchs Goalie Martin Jones

Yesterday afternoon the Manchester Monarchs wrapped up their regular season schedule with a 3-2 loss to the Providence Bruins.

More significantly, Kings uber prospect, Tyler Toffoli, made his professional debut and scored the first goal for his team. He arrived with high expectations after being the top goal scorer in the OHL this season, netting 57 goals.

Jeff Zatkoff took the loss in goal.

On Friday night, the Monarchs beat the Adirondack Phantoms 4-1 behind the stellar play of goaltender Martin Jones.

As they begin their AHL Playoff run this year with a first round series versus the Binghamton Senators this Thursday, the coaching staff has a tough choice - Zatkoff or Jones?

In brief, the season began with Zatkoff as the starter. Jones outplayed him in the middle part of the season and ended up earning a spot in the AHL All-Star Game after going 14-3-0 in his first 20 games with a 1.75 goals-against-average and a .943 save percentage.

Then, Zatkoff came on strong in the second-half, earning the AHL Goaltender of the Month for March with a 5-3-1 record, a 1.55 goals-against-average, a .949 save percentage and two shutouts.

Obviously, having those two guys vying for the spot isn't a bad problem to deal with.

Prior to wrapping up the regular season I had a chance to catch up with Jones for a few light hearted questions...

MM: You debuted a new mask recently (pictures here).  People always want to know, what was the inspiration for the design?

MJ: I'm really not too picky. I used the same guy who painted my first one (this season). He did a great job with the first one, so I just said 'Make me a cool mask.'

MM: That's it, just 'Make me a cool mask?'