Dwight King on the Kings’ focus during the playoff push

The Kings are in a position most similar to that from the 2011-12 season. They’re far from a playoff lock, so the “dog days” aspect of an NHL season is mitigated by the crucial need to collect points. It’s a challenge while many players are nursing various dings and minor ailments, even if they haven’t quite reached “zombie mode.”

Dwight King, on handling the season’s dog days while in the fight for a playoff spot:
I think what you said at the end kind of changes perspective. Obviously 80 games is a long time. I think the position we’re in really helps our group focus in the last 12 games. It’s not ideal to be in that situation, but I think it’s good to have that focus to get in the playoffs eventually. Once it starts, it’s very similar. It’s one of those things, as long as we continue to work and prepare ourselves, it’s going to be beneficial.

King, on remaining focused last year when they were a lock for a three seed:
I think coming off of losing the year before and knowing what it takes to go all the way in the playoffs is something that everyone has in the back of their mind. I think there is a fire in every hockey player to strive to get to the Stanley Cup Final. Just overall as a group, I think we’ve prepared and held each other accountable, which in the end is what you have to do to be successful.

King, on the atmosphere of accountability in the room:
It speaks to the leadership of the guys who are in this room – preparing themselves, keeping everybody else honest – and our coaching staff giving us everything we need to be successful.

King, on the wear and tear the body goes through over the course of the regular season:
I think everybody goes through bumps and bruises. It may not be exactly at this point, but throughout the year every single player will play through something that nags them a bit but they won’t mention it. It’s part of the game and it’s what makes hockey player hockey players.