Allison Listed as Day to Day

Jason Allison and the Kings knew there would be days when the point-a-game center would not be able to play because of knee stiffness. After all, Allison did return to the lineup a month early following a right knee injury on Oct. 29.

“His knee has been stiff after every game,” Coach Andy Murray said about Allison, who did not play against Phoenix Thursday night at Staples Center. It was the second consecutive game that Allison sat out after playing nine games in a row once he rejoined the Kings on Dec. 5.

Allison had an MRI exam Thursday, which revealed that he aggravated his sprained medial collateral ligament. He’s listed as day to day.

Murray said that it’s important for the Kings to continue to play their game as if Allison were still in the lineup.

“We know that we’re missing one of our better players and without him, there’s more of a challenge for us offensively,” Murray said. “But we don’t change our game no matter who’s in the lineup.”

In 18 games, Allison has five goals and 24 points.

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Adam Deadmarsh, sidelined the last two weeks because of an undetermined ailment, possibly related to an early season concussion, did not play against the Coyotes but did work out with his teammates Thursday morning.

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Erik Rasmussen (back) and Steve Heinze (concussion) also skated some Thursday morning, but neither player was in the lineup against Phoenix

-- Lonnie White