What we learned from the Kings’ 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers

A few more takeaways from a game in which the Kings got off to a sharper start, withstood a surge from the Panthers and pulled to 2-2 on this trip.

Bounce-back game for Quick … again

What else would you expect from Kings goalie Jonathan Quick?

He was pulled on Sunday at Carolina after two periods and received some of that tough love/motivational prodding from Kings Coach Darryl Sutter, via the media.

(Of course, one of Carolina’s goals on Sunday came five-on-three and Kings defenseman Alec Martinez had an own goal.)

But Quick responded, as he often does, after Sutter’s not-so-subtle challenge. He is 7-2-0 against Florida in his career with a goals-against average of 1.72 and save percentage of .937.

Gaborik-Kopitar chemistry surfaces

Marian Gaborik scored his third goal in 21 games and it happened to be his 900th career game in the NHL.

The brilliant moments like Monday’s goal -- scored by Gaborik and facilitated by Kopitar -- have been few and far between for the duo. Gaborik has struggled to find his form, and Kopitar has looked like he’s almost having to do too much, weighed down by Gaborik’s woes.

First-period dominance

The Kings led, 1-0, after one and it could have been a larger margin, had Sutter’s first coaching challenge been successful.

Kopitar said the players had been emphasizing the importance of a better start.

“That’s what we were talking about,” Kopitar said. “There were a couple of games where we fell behind in the first period lately. We addressed it before the game and wanted to make sure we come out strong and make sure we score the first goal.”