First period: Kings 1, Coyotes 0

The evolution of defenseman Jake Muzzin continued in the first period of the Kings’ game Monday night against the Phoenix Coyotes at Staples Center. Muzzin blasted a power-play goal past Coyotes goalie Mike Smith 6 minutes, 1 second into the game for his sixth goal of his rookie season. And to think, Muzzin would still be playing for the Manchester (N.H.) Monarchs of the American Hockey League if not for injuries to veterans Matt Greene (back) and Willie Mitchell (knee). Muzzin has proved to be a reliable puck-mover in his first 25 games in the NHL, including Monday.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email