Farewell to Anze Kopitar
After the Kings secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, Anze Kopitar took a moment to acknowledge the crowd during what could be his final home game, as he plans to retire after this season. With tears in his eyes, he expressed his gratitude to the fans, saying,
“Thank you very much for being here,”
before forming a heart with his hands as he skated away from center ice.
Playoff Hopes and Career Reflections
Kopitar’s poignant farewell comes following his announcement in September that this season would be his last unless the Kings make a playoff run. With the team enjoying their best stretch of the season—four consecutive wins and five in the last six games—the opportunity for a playoff push remains feasible.
The crowd at Crypto.com Arena, which numbered 18,145, showered him with cheers long after the final whistle, underscoring the bittersweet atmosphere of his departure. In a pre-game interview, the veteran center reflected on his career, acknowledging,
“Eventually it was going to happen. It could have been this year or two years from now; there was always going to be a last day. I’m very OK with my decision.”
Kopitar’s Legacy
Kopitar’s impact on the Kings is monumental. He holds franchise records in several key categories: points (1,314), assists (862), game-winning goals (79), and games played (1,518). He ranks third in goals (452) and power-play goals (129). His leadership was pivotal during the Kings’ two Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014, where he led the team in scoring in both playoff runs.
“Over 700 players have donned the Kings’ uniform, but Kopitar stands out as possibly the greatest ever,”
said Daryl Evans, a former Kings player turned broadcaster.
“Not just for his skills on the ice, but for his character off it. His intangibles will be hard to replace.”
Game Highlights
The winning goal against the Oilers came from Artemi Panarin in the first period, marking his ninth goal since joining the Kings before the Olympic break. Edmonton nearly equalized when Curtis Lazar appeared to have scored, but defenseman Cody Ceci made a critical save by clearing the puck just before it crossed the goal line. Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg was stellar, stopping 27 shots and securing his 11th career shutout.
Looking Ahead
Kopitar was born in Jesenice, Slovenia, near the Austrian border, before moving to Sweden to pursue his hockey career at a young age. He was selected by the Kings in the 2005 NHL Draft as the 11th overall pick. He made his NHL debut just over a year later and quickly established himself as a dependable player, famously signing contract extensions to remain with the Kings throughout his career.
“I’ve always felt extremely comfortable in L.A.,”
Kopitar said.
“The organization has been world-class since day one, leaving me with no reason to seek opportunities elsewhere.”
As he prepares to leave the game, Kopitar also noted the emotional toll of goodbyes, recalling heartfelt moments with old teammates. Now, he looks forward to a new chapter as he plans to relocate to Slovenia to focus on being a full-time parent after selling his home in Manhattan Beach.
“I’m going to be a dad, relax a bit and see how long it takes to get bored. Of course, I’ll miss L.A., but this is a family decision. It’s time to slow down and enjoy life,”
he added.
Final Thoughts
With the Kings potentially extending his farewell with a playoff appearance, Kopitar remains committed to finishing out the season. However, he also firmly believes that when the final whistle blows for the Kings, it will also signal the end of his illustrious career.
As the team prepares for their upcoming road trip, including a crucial final stretch for playoff positioning, Kopitar’s legacy continues to loom large in the franchise’s history. In his own words, he said,
“As much as I’ll miss this place, it’s time for the next adventure.”
