What we learned from the Kings’ 2-1 loss to the Sharks

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Kings forward Tanner Pearson deflects the puck in front of Sharks goalie Martin Jones and defenseman Brenden Dillon during third period of Game 2 of the teams’ playoff series.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Kings forward Tanner Pearson and goalkeeper Jonathan Quick collide with Sharks center Melker Karlsson as they battle for a loose puck during the third period.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Kings Coach Darryl Sutter, center, watches the action on the ice as the Kings struggle to score goals in a 2-1 loss to the Sharks.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Kings center Tyler Toffoli can’t reach the puck as he falls to the ice while tangling with Sharks defenseman Justin Braun during the third period.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Kings winger Tanner Pearson checks Sharks defenseman Roman Polak into the boards during the first period.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Sharks defenseman Brent Burns pulls in to hug teammate Logan Couture after his second period goal against the Kings during Game 2 of their playoff series.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Kings forward Tyler Toffoli battles Sharks forward Melker Karlsson for position along the boards during first period of Game 2 of the teams’ first round playoff series.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Kings forward Dustin Brown looks to deflect the puck past Sharks goalie Martin Jones as defenseman Roman Polak covers him during Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

By Lisa Dillman

April 17, 2016 10:24 AM PT

A few more takeaways before the playoff series moves north, to San Jose, for Game 3 on Monday. The Kings trail, 2-0, in the best-of-seven series.

Gaborik should make an impact

It all seemed there for the skilled winger, except for the finishing touch. Marian Gaborik played his first game since suffering a sprained right knee on Feb. 12.

In many ways, he was much sharper than expected. Kings Coach Darryl Sutter complimented Gaborik and managed to send a message to some of the other wingers … and defensemen.

“After being off nine weeks, 9½ weeks, I thought he played really well,” Sutter said. “I thought [Jamie] McBain was our best defensemen and thought Gabby was our best winger.”

Five-on-five play lacking

The Kings have scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded in this series. Defenseman Jake Muzzin has the lone even-strength goal and that went in off the Sharks’ Tomas Hertl in Game 1.

“Our execution wasn’t very good,” said Kings left wing Milan Lucic. “As you saw five-on-five, we weren’t able to get a goal. Not only that, not enough quality chances. We’re not making it hard enough on them in the defensive zone.

“We’re not getting enough traffic. We’re not getting enough second-chance opportunities. We’ve got to start playing our game. Right now we’re not playing our game at all.”

Not the Sharks of old

These aren’t the Sharks of 2014. They’ve allowed one five-on-five goal in two games and haven’t panicked in crunch time. San Jose has had of changes since the Kings and Sharks last met in the playoffs, including some recent ones, in February.

“Some of the additions, added [defenseman] Roman Polak and [forward] Nick Spaling, have given us the depth to roll four lines and six D and the guys take a lot of pride in defending,” Sharks Coach Peter DeBoer said.

Follow Lisa Dillman on Twitter @reallisa

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Lisa Dillman is a former sports reporter for the Los Angeles Times; she left in 2016. She has covered the Kings, the Ducks, the Clippers, professional tennis, soccer and Olympic sports at five Summer Games and two Winter Games for the newspaper since 1992.

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