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What we learned from the Kings’ 4-1 loss to the Sharks

Kings forward Tanner Pearson tries to deflect a teammate's shot but Sharks goalie Martin Jones was able to make the save in the first period Wednesday night.

Kings forward Tanner Pearson tries to deflect a teammate’s shot but Sharks goalie Martin Jones was able to make the save in the first period Wednesday night.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Anze Kopitar put it best: There was no second wind for the Kings. They threw everything at the San Jose Sharks for most of the second period and came away with only one goal in a 4-1 loss Wednesday that ended the Kings’ five-game win streak.

Here’s what we learned:

The Kings’ usually rigid defense broke down

Two of San Jose’s goals were scored on odd-man rushes in the first period in an unusual lapse for the Kings. They never allowed more than two goals in a game during their streak.

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“The first period wasn’t nearly as intense as it needed to be,” Kopitar said. “They scored two two-on-one goals, which, giving odd-man rushes against a team like that, it’s certainly not the way to win. We didn’t play good enough to win.”

Marian Gaborik is getting more comfortable

Gaborik played more than 14 minutes and saw time on the power play in his second game back from a broken foot. He hit the crossbar in the first period.

“I think [I’m] just coming out and focusing on moving my legs and kind of feed off of that,” Gaborik said. “I think I was doing that tonight. Hopefully I’ll get better and better and keep elevating.”

Said Kings Coach Darryl Sutter, “He was noticeable with the puck, which is what you want him to do.”

San Jose closed the shooting lanes

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The Sharks used that formula to get to the Stanley Cup Final last year, and it was on display in the form of 21 blocked shots and 22 missed shots by the Kings.

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