The defending Stanley Cup champion Kings (10-6-2) have won five consecutive games and are starting to meet some their lofty standards of play. They’re not perfect, but as right wing Justin Williams said Friday, “We’re trending in the right direction.”

“We were struggling at the start of the year and people were asking, ‘Are you guys a fluke?’” Williams said before the team left for Vancouver, where they face the Canucks on Saturday. “You’re not going to be at your best all the time. Right now we’re clicking. We’re winning games and scoring goals and winning games through great defense.”

There is a stronger than usual sense of urgency throughout the NHL because the lockout shortened the season to 48 games, according to Williams.

“Absolutely, there are little stretches of two or three games in a row where you’re not on your game and it’s devastating in the standings,” he said. “You