Event of the Day: Los Angeles Kings v Toronto Maple Leafs

Our event of the day 

is the NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Staples Center. The Kings will enjoy returning to familiar conditions after a lengthy amount of time on the road and will hope they can get their good start to the season back on track after losing 4-2 to the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center last time out. The Maple Leafs have been solid enough so far this season although not at their best in recent weeks, sitting seventh in the Eastern Division. With the season beginning to shape up nicely, today will be a good game to watch. Recent results should be put into context - while the Kings did lose their last game, it was only their second regulation loss so far this season (both of which have come on their travels).

Indeed, they were one of only three teams across both divisions on 19 points before their game against the Blues. They are still one of the most in-form teams around and will come into this match as the favourites, particularly considering the Maple Leafs will have had fewer days to rest after their trip to the Honda Center to take on the Anaheim Ducks. Toronto’s recent 3-2 defeat against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center was a fascinating occasion as Maple Leaf Patrick Marleau returned to San Jose for the first time since he left the Sharks in the offeseason - he had played for the Sharks for over 19 seasons. The Maple Leafs are in for another tough matchup tonight but whether it’s a close game or not, it should be an entertaining one.

Honourable mentions

around the globe go to the NFL as the New York Jets take on the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. The Bills have a record of 5-2 so far this season compared to the Jets’ 3-5 record and the Bills ran out 21-12 winners the last time the two sides met, back in September. In football, the UEFA Europa League returns with Everton looking to resurrect their slim chances of qualifying for the next round against Lyon at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. It’s the fourth day of the ATP Rolex Paris Masters and the first day of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at the TPC at Summerlin. In the MLS, defending champions the Seattle Sounders face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the second leg of their Western Conference semi-final.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

Fixture

Photos by NHL