What we learned from the Kings’ 4-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche

A few more takeaways after the Kings lost for the third time in their last four games. The one victory came in overtime at San Jose on Sunday. They now have a few days during the All-Star break to ponder their shortcomings.

Inability to stay penalty-free

The Kings were on their heels in the third period and were unable to build momentum because they couldn’t stay out of the penalty box.

“I think we got in some penalty trouble and we’ve probably got some guys that played a little bit too much, overextending,” Kings Coach Darryl Sutter said. “Two of the goals were power-play goals and you give (Nathan) MacKinnon and (Matt) Duchene that much time -- and they were pretty dominant players tonight, those … guys.

“They’re a high-scoring team and that’s what happens.”

MacKinnon’s goal was technically not a power-play goal, but it did come just seconds after the penalty to Kings forward Tyler Toffoli expired.

Learning from their mistakes?

Duchene has played against the Kings long enough to witness their championship pedigree. The Kings have had the ability to quickly correct their errors.

“That’s the sign of a good team,” Duchene said. “If you look at the best teams in the league -- these guys [Kings] being one of them -- that’s what they do. It’s just even keel all the way; and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Bob Miller’s absence will loom large

The beloved voice of the Kings and broadcasting icon, Bob Miller, will be out for an indefinite period of time because of upcoming heart surgery.

The fans will miss him. Everyone knows how much Miller will miss being away from the broadcast booth.

Sutter paid him the highest compliment.

“He’ll be fine. He’s a tough old bugger,” Sutter said. “All that hollering he’s done over the years, little bit of damage there. He’ll be fine. He deserves a little bit of time off. He was probably doing play-by-play from the couch tonight, and loud.”