What we learned from the Kings’ 2-1 shootout loss to Tampa Bay

A few more takeaways after the Kings completed a five-game trip and earned a point on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a well-paced, entertaining game.

Lucic is keeping it real

All teams need a truth-teller and left wing Milan Lucic, who had the Kings’ only goal against Tampa Bay, has been filling that role almost since Day 1.

Yes, there were positive signs during the 2-2-1 trip. But ….

“If you look at it, as a whole, it’s a .500 trip and you don’t make the playoffs by being a .500 hockey team,” Lucic said in the dressing room afterward. “A lot of positives but also a lot of things we need to get better at.”

Inability to finish scoring chances

The massive presence of Lightning goalie Ben Bishop, who faced 38 shots, obviously had something to do with the Kings being limited to one goal.

Trevor Lewis had a season-high six shots on goal. Forward Marian Gaborik, struggling to emerge from a season-long slump, generated five shots, tying a season high.

The one time the King scored three or more goals this season and lost was on Sunday at Carolina, when the Hurricanes won, 4-3.

“Usually the magic number is three,” Lucic said.

Defensive depth being tested

The Kings are one injury away from disaster on the blue line. Then again, they have plenty of company around the league in that department.

They’ve been going with Jamie McBain and Christian Ehrhoff as their third defense pair, with youngster Derek Forbort stepping in occasionally for Ehrhoff. Forbort was a healthy scratch the last three games. He has appeared in seven games, recording one assist and a minus-two rating.

Rarely are trades of significance made as early as November, but Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi was on the five-game trip and, presumably, 22 games is more than enough time to evaluate where the team needs help.

Follow Lisa Dillman on Twitter: @reallisa