Injured Kings winger Marian Gaborik to return to L.A. for further evaluation

Kings forward Marian Gaborik, who left Friday’s game after a knee-on-knee collision with Rangers forward Dominic Moore, will be returning to Los Angeles on Saturday for additional evaluation.

Gaborik was hurt in the first period and did not return as the Kings went on to win, 5-4, in overtime. He was unable to put any weight on his left leg after the collision and needed assistance getting back to the dressing room.

The Kings will not be making a recall from their minor-league team in Ontario (Calif)., for now, since they have two extra forwards available and it doesn’t make sense to fly someone cross-country to join the team on this long trip.

Forward Michael Mersch would be at the top of the list if the Kings decided make a recall from Ontario.

The oft-injured Gaborik had been on an uncharacteristically solid run of durability, having played in every game this season. His scoring touch also picked up of late.

Gaborik went 10 games without a goal before he broke the scoring drought on Jan. 24 and has scored three goals in his last five games, including a first-period power-play goal Friday against the Rangers.