The Colorado Avalanche lost to the Kings, 4-1, Sunday night in Los Angeles. Here are three takeaways from the road defeat:

Tired vs. rested

The Kings played on three days rest. The Avalanche played on the second night of back-to-back games. You could certainly tell the difference, especially late in regulation, with Colorado lacking the same legs as their L.A. counterparts. Is coach Jared Bednar asking too much of his top line?

One night earlier in Anaheim, the Valeri Nichushkin-Nathan MacKinnon-Mikko Rantanen trio recorded 27-plus minutes of ice time. It seemed to impact their stamina in Los Angeles. The Avalanche must lean more on their depth over a long season.

Makar out

Defenseman Cale Makar suffered an unspecified lower-body injury that held him out from the Kings game. When asked by reporters in Los Angeles, Bednar did not provide a return timeline beyond Sunday. On Saturday, in a shootout loss to Anaheim, Makar missed the final two minutes of regulation and overtime.

Makar has been the team’s best player with 34 points over 23 games. He was replaced by Sam Malinski, making his second career NHL game appearance, in the lineup against L.A.. Malinski earned 18:09 of ice time and recorded one hit.

Defensive scoring

Avalanche defensemen are driving the bus for goal scoring. Numbers back it up. Colorado blueliners accounted for a stretch of four consecutive goals over the weekend’s games. They came from Bowen Byram (twice), Devon Toews and Josh Manson.

It’s no surprise to see that production, given Colorado’s identity with highly skilled defensemen. But they can’t do it alone. Two straight losses without forwards contributing to goals scored isn’t a recipe for success. Everyone needs to step up.

Kings 4, Avalanche 1

What happened: Colorado finished their road trip 0-3 with a deflating loss to the Kings.

What went right: Defenseman Josh Manson scored his first goal of the season for a 1-0 lead in the first period.

What went wrong: The Kings tied it up, 1-1, with a second period goal at the crease from Quinton Byfield. He scored again in the third period to give Los Angeles the lead. A Trevor Moore wrist shot later in the period gave the Kings a 3-1 advantage. Drew Doughty scored on an empty net.

Between the pipes: Alexandar Georgiev made 34-of-37 saves. LA’s Cam Talbot stopped 20 of Colorado’s 21 shots on goal.

What’s next: The Avalanche (15-7-2) host the Anaheim Ducks, 7 p.m. Thursday at Ball Arena.

Avalanche left wing Miles Wood shoots past Kings defenseman Matt Roy during the first period Sunday in Los Angeles.

The Associated Press