The Kings (23-18-12, 10th in the Western Conference standings) aren’t out of playoff contention by any measure, but they are aware of their present state. They also know they must call again on the remarkable resiliency they have displayed in the last few seasons in order to make up for their lost ground.

“We’ve put ourselves in quite the predicament here with where we are in the standings,” Kings forward Justin Williams said after Wednesday’s practice. “But resilience and being in tough situations all helps you at this time of year. It’s a grind to the playoffs and there’s always someone gunning for your spot. The hardest part is getting in, and we’re going to do that.”