Up next for Kings: Thursday vs. Nashville

VS. NASHVILLE

When: 7:30.

Where: Staples Center.

On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 1150.

Records: Kings 22-16-1, Predators 20-13-6.

Record vs. Predators: 2-0-0.

Update: Goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who has earned two of his four victories this season against the Predators, is scheduled to start. Left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky, who injured an ankle Dec. 26, participated in most of Wednesday’s practice and is close to returning but won’t play. Murray said defenseman Willie Mitchell, who injured his left knee Dec. 16, is still “a little bit away, probably days away.” Murray also said he’s considering some personnel changes on the power play, which is one for eight over the last two games. The Predators are expected to be without forwards Matthew Lombardi (concussion), Cal O’Reilly (broken fibula), Martin Erat (upper body) and Steve Sullivan (lower body).

— Helene Elliott