Marian Gaborik medically cleared; could play in Game 2

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings may get some goal scoring help for Game 2 of their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks. 

Coach Darryl Sutter said forward Marian Gaborik has been “medically cleared” from a right knee injury and could draw into the lineup for Saturday. Gaborik has been out since February 12 after colliding with New York Rangers forward Dominic Moore in a game at Madison Square Garden. The 34-year-old Gaborik had 12 goals and 22 points in 54 games this season.

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During the Kings' run to the 2014 Stanley Cup, Gaborik had 14 goals in 26 games. 

“He’s got speed, he can score goals and he’s done it a lot of times over the years, so he’s a big part of our team,” forward Vincent Lecavalier said. “I think he’s been practicing really well. He has a lot of speed. I think even him at 75 percent is probably faster than a lot of guys. That’s how fast he is so, but like I said – he brings a lot to the table and we’re excited to have him if he’s ready.” 

Gaborik has been practicing with the Kings since late March.

Sutter wasn’t clear on who would come out of the lineup to make place for Gaborik. At Saturday’s morning skate, Gaborik took line rushes with Anze Kopitar at center and Milan Lucic at wing. Gaborik was not made available to speak with reporters.

“Up front I think they’re familiar with each other over the course of time, and most teams that make the playoffs are running for the most part, they’re able to put four real solid lines together, and it’s sort of different by position, I would say,” Sutter said.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper