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What we learned from the Kings’ 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders

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A few more takeaways, and looking ahead, after Game 2 of the Kings’ seven-game trip. Many of the fathers of the players were on hand for the game at Barclays Center and will be around for Friday night’s game at Madison Square Garden versus the Rangers.

More lineup changes coming

Kings defenseman Kevin Gravel made his NHL debut on Thursday night, logging a little more than 10 minutes of ice time. It looks as though he will be playing against the Rangers, based on Friday’s morning skate.

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But it looks like Kings Coach Darryl Sutter will be tinkering with the bottom-six forwards. Center Andy Andreoff, who struggled against the Islanders, looks to be the odd man out, along with left wing Kyle Clifford.

Left wing Tanner Pearson and center Nick Shore, healthy scratches the last two games, appear to be back in the lineup for the Rangers game.

Scrambling to replace Quick

Yes, the Kings did not play well in front of goalie Jhonas Enroth on Thursday night. But they could have used a timely, unexpected save against the Islanders.

With All-Star goalie Jonathan Quick still out of action, it looks as though the Kings will turn to veteran goalie Peter Budaj, who is here on emergency recall, to face the Rangers.

Budaj has been stellar at the American Hockey League level for the Kings’ affiliate in Ontario, Calif., with eight shutouts and 26 wins this season. His road back has been a testament to his persistence as he went 0-9-6 last season and suffered injuries, with St. John’s of the AHL.

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“We’ve got a little bit more of a veteran defense than probably he had on the Rock (St. John’s),” said Kings goalie coach Bill Ranford. “I think that helps him. He’s the type of guy that reads and reacts and wants to play a calm style of game.”

Ranford said he has watched Budaj play two games with Ontario this season.

“He really gives his team the chance to win every night,” Ranford said. “That’s really what we’re looking for from him tonight. … He’s got a great demeanor. Guys loved him everywhere he’s been. I think guys last year really felt for him. It was one of those years where nothing went right.

“It was tough to go a calendar year without winning a hockey game. Kudos to him the way he bounced back this year. … He just couldn’t find a way to get a win under his belt. It got to the point where I think the opposing teams were cheering for him because he’s got this reputation of [being] such a great guy, and he is.”

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