Blake is still happy in L.A.

Rob Blake turned 37 Sunday and, on the surface, this would seem his most difficult season since his first go-round as a defenseman for the Kings.

The team is bailing water near the bottom of the Western Conference. Blake’s numbers -- four goals and 11 assists -- project to be his career low for a full season. He probably will miss out on the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since the 1998-99 season.

Yet, Blake is quick to brush aside such worst-of-time speculation.

“It hasn’t been difficult at all,” he said after practice Monday. “Everyone knew it was going to be a challenge this year, and maybe next year.... We are seeking the level we want to be at. That’s what part of our [players-only] meeting was about last week. We’re not a team that can take nights off and win. We have to find ways to win games.”

That Raiders-of-the-Lost-Ark-like search included Blake’s playing 31 minutes 25 seconds Saturday in the Kings’ 5-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, his former team. Coach Marc Crawford came into the season hoping to preserve Blake by keeping his minutes to a minimum, but said, “he is our best defenseman and we need to play our best defenseman.”

Blake, who signed a two-year, $6-million contract in July, got off to a lumbering start. He became more effective in early November, but his play has been inconsistent. Still, Blake’s presence off the ice has been a boon for a team that has five players under 25 and three others with less than two seasons of NHL experience.

“Rob is a contributor in a lot of areas,” Crawford said. “Everyone is aware of his presence in the dressing room. He was smart and didn’t come in and get in everyone’s face and overwhelm them. He took the time to get to know guys and get the feel for the room.”

But, Crawford stressed, “we got Rob Blake as a player first and foremost.”

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Goaltender Mathieu Garon, out because of a groin injury, may have moved a step closer to returning to the ice, at least for practice. He was able to perform a test on the slide board without pain for the first time.

“I wish they could tell me when I definitely will be back, but all I can say is today it felt good,” Garon said.

Crawford said that the team’s trainers will wait to see how Garon feels today before taking the next step.

Defenseman Brent Sopel practiced with the team for the first time since being put on injured reserve because of broken bones in his ankle and hand.

TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Kings 11-16-4, Sharks 22-9-0.

Record vs. Sharks -- 1-2.

Update -- The Sharks have the NHL’s second-ranked power play at 22.4% The Kings have lost 14 of their last 17 games against the Sharks.

Tickets -- (888) 546-4752.

chris.foster@latimes.com