What we learned from the Kings’ 3-2 victory over the Ducks

The red line might as well have been the pivot on a seesaw Sunday. The second period tilted the Kings’ way, then back to the Ducks for the third.

When it came to a stop the Kings were in first place in the Pacific Division after a 3-2 win at Honda Center.

Here’s what we learned:

Kings’ younger players cannot be overlooked

For as much praise heaped lately on Jeff Carter and linemates Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson, Kings Coach Darryl Sutter served a reminder that they are having success with newbies like Nic Dowd, Nick Shore, Derek Forbort and Kevin Gravel, who are all new to the Kings-Ducks rivalry.

“If there was anything I’d take out of tonight, it was we had a lot of young guys who hadn’t played a meaningful or full game in here,” Sutter said. “You look at Dowd, Shore, Forbort, Gravel -- guys like that -- who haven’t had much impact in this building yet, so it was good for them to see this environment.”

Neither should Peter Budaj

He didn’t have much work with 13 shots in the first two periods, but the Kings goalie finished with 28 saves. Don’t look now but Budaj is tied for third in the NHL with 10 wins.

Sunday was his 18th straight appearance.

Ducks still finding themselves

Anaheim still hasn’t won three games in a row this season. The Ducks have mostly had a full complement of players recently - Sunday was their sixth game with defenseman Hampus Lindholm back in the fold -- so roster changes are not a reason.

Ducks Coach Randy Carlyle, who sharply critiqued his team for a lack of execution, said he thinks it will take more time to hammer those areas out.

“I think that we’re a hockey club that is still trying to find its way,” Carlyle said. “We haven’t really created our identity yet. Consistency, in everybody’s mind, is going to be a challenge well beyond the 20-game mark.”

curtis.zupke@latimes.com