5 NHL questions: Kings look to continue shutout streak

A daily feature that asks five questions about the days games. Will they be answered? (That doesn't count as one of the questions.)

By Adam Gretz Dec 11, 2013, 12:55pm EST

1. Will the Kings get another shutout?

Kings goaltenders have four shutouts in their past 13 games, including a two-game shutout streak for rookie Martin Jones. That streak is on the line on Wednesday when the Kings visit Toronto where it's expected that Jones will get the start. Will he finally give up a goal?

2. How will the Maple Leafs defense perform without Dion Phaneuf?

Dion Phaneuf begins serving his two-game suspension on Wednesday night and that leaves a mighty big hole in the Maple Leafs defense. It's a bad time for that given that the Kings are rolling into Toronto on a four-game losing streak and are one of the best possession teams in the league. It's going to be a huge test for the Maple Leafs defense. Will they pass it?

3. Will the Flyers allow fewer than four goals?

Goaltending has been one of the biggest strengths for the Philadelphia Flyers this season but they've hit a little bump in the road the past two games, surrendering five goals against Dallas and Ottawa in back-to-back losses. On Wednesday they get the juggernaut that is the Chicago Blackhawks who are coming off back-to-back six-goal performances. Ray Emery is expected to get the start for the Flyers. Can he hold Chicago to fewer than four goals?

4. Will Patrick Kane continue his point streak?

Patrick Kane has recorded a point in each of his in each of his past six games and is quickly closing ground on Sidney Crosby in the race for the Art Ross Trophy. During his current streak he has 12 points, including four multiple-point games. He has three in each of his past two games. Will he keep it going against the Flyers?

5. Will Anaheim continue its point streak on home ice?

The Ducks are the only team that has yet to lose a home game in regulation, taking an 11-0-2 record on home ice into Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Wild. Their only two losses at home this season were an overtime loss to the Devils on Nov. 20 and a shootout loss to the Kings on Dec. 3. Can they keep up that point streak against a Minnesota team that's won just five of its 14 road games.