Dec 11, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) is tripped up by Los Angeles Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell (33) in the third period at Air Canada Centre. No penalty was called on the play. The Kings beat the Maple Leafs 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Here are some fun facts involving the Los Angeles Kings and tonight’s opponent, the Toronto Maple Leafs
- On December 1st, 1988, the trio of Wayne Gretzky, Dave Taylor and Bernie Nicholls combined for 17 points. Nicholls led the way with a career high 8 points, 2 goals and 6 assists. Gretzky added 5 helpers and Taylor had 3 goals and an assist. Luc Robitaille had a measly 2 goals and 1 assist in the Kings’ 9-3 rout of the Leafs.
- In addition to the game above, Brantford, Ontario (just outside Toronto) native Gretzky had 4 points against the Leafs on 3 other occasions as a member of the Kings.
- This will be the 141st meeting in the history of the Kings. Los Angeles has gone 61-57-1 with 21 games ending in a tie back when ties were allowed.
- The largest margin of victory for the Kings against Toronto was an 8-0 shutout on january 23, 1975.
- The teams combined for 13 goals in a Toronto 7-6 win on March 17, 1986.
- Toronto has shut out the Kings 5 times in their history, but the last time they did so was March 27, 1978
- LA shut out the Maple Leafs 6 times, but also haven’t done so in a while, dating back to Feb. 20, 1988.
- The Kings are 8-12 with 3 ties in the month of March against the Leafs.
- The Kings and Leafs have met 3 times in the post-season. The most recent was Los Angeles’ 7 game victory in 1993 that sent the Kings to the Stanley Cup Finals.