The Kings returned home early Wednesday in better shape than when they left for back-to-back games with Minnesota and Calgary. Because despite consecutive overtime losses, they actually pulled closer to a wild-card playoff berth and added a top goaltender along the way by trading for Tampa Bay’s Ben Bishop.
There were some negatives, of course. Calgary, with a six-point lead, may be all but out of reach in the playoff race. But that will allow the Kings to concentrate on the slumping St. Louis Blues, who are just a point ahead in the wild-card standings.