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Kings can play Marian Gaborik in Game 2 (if they choose to)

Kings Rangers Hockey

Los Angeles Kings right wing Marian Gaborik (12) reacts after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

AP

Marian Gaborik has been medically cleared to play for the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2, but that doesn’t guarantee that he will.

Kings head coach Darryl Sutter explained what will go into the decision to play (or not play) Gaborik against the San Jose Sharks with L.A. down 1-0, as LA Kings Insider’s Jon Rosen reports.

“He’ll go through warm-up, and he’ll declare himself,” Sutter said. “He’s been medically cleared, so it becomes a coach’s decision [and] a player’s declaration of whether he’s ready or not.”

The Kings might see some other lineup tweaks, as it sounds like Jamie McBain might be called upon to replace Alec Martinez (who didn’t skate this morning, according to Rosen.

Gaborik has been sidelined with a knee injury since Feb. 12. He clearly boosts the Kings’ skill level, but will the rust show in a challenging situation for Los Angeles? At 34, it’s reasonable to ask if Gaborik can jump right into the fire of postseason hockey.