It hasn't taken long for Jake Muzzin to endear himself to Toronto Maple Leafs fans.
The hard-hitting defenceman only joined the Leafs in a trade last week, but Muzzin is already a favourite of the Scotiabank Arena faithful. Paired with Morgan Rielly, Muzzin has added a facet of physicality to Toronto's defensive corps and on Monday he showed his full skill set in a 6-1 win over the visiting Anaheim Ducks.
First, Muzzin registered his initial point as a member of the Leafs at the 13:40 mark of the second period with an assist on Andreas Johnsson's 11th goal of the season.
In the later stages of the second period, Muzzin laid a crushing hit on Ducks star Corey Perry that got the home crowd on its feet.
Muzzin rides Perry hard into the bench pic.twitter.com/G2gX029YSa
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) February 5, 2019
More importantly, the hit also riled up the Ducks, with Anaheim's Nick Ritchie targeting Muzzin with a cross-check that led to a Toronto power play in the final minute of the middle frame. Seconds after Ritchie entered the penalty box, Muzzin unleashed a rocket for his first goal in Toronto colours.
Muzzin added another assist in the third period on a Connor Brown tally.
Jake Muzzin equaled his single-game career-high with three points tonight - the sixth time he has accomplished the feat in his career. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) February 5, 2019
It was only the third game for Muzzin in a Leafs' jersey, but he's already made a big impression on his new team.