Broken ankle for Kopitar « LA Kings Insider

Broken ankle for Kopitar

Posted by Rich Hammond on 26 March 2011, 3:42 pm

Terry Murray said Anze Kopitar suffered a broken ankle and will be out a minimum of six weeks.

Tagged Anze Kopitar

Comment (RSS) | Permalink

275 Comments

Barrie G says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:42 pm

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Hammer–thanks for getting us the news quickly, and not leaving us in suspense. I really do appreciate that.

Get better, big man!

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

I second that Hammer. Thanks!

[Reply]
sloppy joe Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for the update Rich

[Reply]
RobSD Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

Smyths wrap stooges will save us.
Lewis scored today for Christ sakes. We will persevere

[Reply]
CameronAC Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@RobSD, Yean, this is a huge opportunity for our young guys to step up late in the season and salvage what they have worked for all year long

Donald_S Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Barrie G,

I know Rich has made it clear that there is no profanity in the forum, but right now I’d like to use a little. Dang.

[Reply]
jmsalsa Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
@Barrie G,
%$#@!%&%$#%#!#$%%*@#$%^$^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that is all.

[Reply]
c4sraser Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@Barrie G, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Reply]
c4sraser Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@Barrie G, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Kingsation8 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:42 pm

Sigh……….

[Reply]
Harty Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
@Kingsation8, no, no, no can’t be happening……..

Kopi tell us it isn’t true, if so how quick can you get healthy…..

no, no, no…………

[Reply]
tmp32 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@Kingsation8,The Gm has put us in a position where we could not stand an injury like these. Where is the scoring depth?? Last week, before we lost Williams, TM was in the paper saying things like “we need to find more scoring…” he was talking about the rest of our team, like maybe there was more scoring to be found on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th lines. Our minor league has talent and a bunch of could be’s, but where is the help in thatm. This lack of scoring depth is a direct result of DL and the Absentee Owner’s unwillingness or inability to bring in talent through free agency. This team deserves better. Our playoff hopes should not ride on the shoulders of Justin Williams. Any team that loses Kopitar is gonna feel it. My questions is why does our season rely on just him. Ridiculous.

[Reply]
Marshy Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@tmp32, how do you believe all of that. Defense wins games and we are one of the best for goals against in the league. We have plenty of young talent in the junior ranks that will probably be joining us next season. DL has put us in a position to be good and to be good for a long time. Does is suck that we lost our best player? Of course but it presents opportunity for the rest of our team to continue with the great defense and presents opportunity for other players to step up their offense. We will just have to bare down and do it without Kopi.

[Reply]
tmp32 Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 10:38 am
@Marshy, You guys crack me up. How much longer are you going to say “…next year…” I’ve been saying next year for 30 years. The Ducks have a Cup before we do, don’t you get it. They didn’t do it with a Cinderella team. They brought in what was needed. And there was a parade in Anaheim. Lets all wait for Schenn…Lets all wait for Lokitonov…lets all wait for Muzzin…wait….wait …wait…

One guy goes down….please. Our defense is stellar, but what are we supposed to do, win playoff games with a 1st line that hasn’t been complete all year? And now our second line is our first. Heart it out all you want, I’ve been doing it for thirty years. I want a Cup.

historyguy Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
@tmp32, Dude…take a deep breath, and maybe a lude…

Kopi’s injury has nothing to do with some perceived lack of depth. The Kings have as much or more depth than any other team. An injury like this is probably easier for the Kings to deal with than most other teams, because they are a defense-first team.

You’ve got to have a very short and/or selective memory if you think this team could be run much better than it is now. What…do you want a Brian Burke type who just tries to buy whoever he can and ends up with a team with no chemistry? The Kings have been very successful in free agency…do you seriously think we’d be better off now if the Kovalchuk signing had happened?

Our season doesn’t just rely on Kopi, though he is, obviously, our best player. The team will be able to win games, and Kopi will be back right around playoff time, as will Williams.

Injuries happen…it’s not the GM’s fault, and the Kings are as prepared as anyone to handle it.

Chillax….

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
@tmp32, Kopitar breaks his ankle and you attack the GM and ownership? What a tool.

[Reply]
c4sraser Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@Osaka, totally agree FTP go kings

the dude from the southeast Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@tmp32, lets compare everybody.lets see pittsburgh lost malkin and crosby and went in a scoring slump for at least a good while. they never had good secondary scoring…..we lose kopi and williams….well we still have JS, DP, DD, JJ, MH, WS, and a host of very good players in the minors…..im srry to burst your bubble but we dont ride on just williams and kopitar. so dont be discouraged because we will be fine….yea scoring may go down but we should be fine GKG!!!!! and get well kopi and wiliams

[Reply]
Lars P. Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@tmp32

Lombardi has been the best Gm we have ever had. We are in the best shape as a franchise as we ever have been.Injuries suck, but don’t blame him. Defense wins cups. We and the team have to suck it up and move on. The team will be better for this.

Jamer Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
@tmp32, You said a mouthful. Great post! My feelings all season.

[Reply]
capt jam Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@tmp32,

Lame. Very lame. But I understand you’re emotional and can’t see this neither the end of the world or the season. He’ll be back for the second round and all the Chicken Littles will be able to sleep better.

[Reply]
Chris Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
@tmp32, You are way off base man.

[Reply]
tmp32 Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 10:39 am
@tmp32, You guys crack me up. How much longer are you going to say “…next year…” I’ve been saying next year for 30 years. The Ducks have a Cup before we do, don’t you get it. They didn’t do it with a Cinderella team. They brought in what was needed. And there was a parade in Anaheim. Lets all wait for Schenn…Lets all wait for Lokitonov…lets all wait for Muzzin…wait….wait …wait…

One guy goes down….please. Our defense is stellar, but what are we supposed to do, win playoff games with a 1st line that hasn’t been complete all year? And now our second line is our first. Heart it out all you want, I’ve been doing it for thirty years. I want a Cup.

[Reply]
Michael_DD8 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Yikes! that sucks!

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

oh great we are done for sure

[Reply]
Dom Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@KingsFanFTW, not until the fat lady sings…..

[Reply]
cpmc29 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Dom, Hang tuff kings. We can do it. Let’s make some noise in the playoffs. Gain some experience for our team.maybe make it to the later rounds. I don’t know.

[Reply]
Erin Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@Dom, I agree…the team stepped up today.. Hopefully they continue playing as a team.

[Reply]
Just another Fan Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Have faith, don’t jump off the bandwagon already!

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@Just another Fan, LOL and miss the next season hell no am proud of the LA kings Cant wait to next season but have to finish this season off and i know we can find ways to win without or two hig scorer just hoping we get pass round 1 and then Kopi might be back on round 2

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@KingsFanFTW,

If you believe in this team, then don’t start talking about next season until this one is over.

Ashykins Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@KingsFanFTW, If the penguins can do it without geno and Sid we can do it without kopi. Playoffs change everything.

KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@KingMe20,Ok what wrong on talking about next season not saying this season was a completely a failure

just saying there two way u can look at it hopes we get by and win that hope 1

Hope 2 we be back better and madder as ever

There nothing wrong on saying next season Just saying am never going to leave the Kings Been a Kings fan since along time and they havent won a Stanley Cup yet..

So i been a Fan with no Cup reason just the Love for the Team plus grown up by seeing them and i know how hard they are playing or when we have a good team and we do have a good team just no one respecting us

tmp32 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Our two big scorers !!! They have 40 goals between them…The Gm has put us in a position where we could not stand an injury like these. Where is the scoring depth?? Last week, before we lost Williams, TM was in the paper saying things like “we need to find more scoring…” he was talking about the rest of our team, like maybe there was more scoring to be found on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th lines. Our minor league has talent and a bunch of could be’s, but where is the help in thatm. This lack of scoring depth is a direct result of DL and the Absentee Owner’s unwillingness or inability to bring in talent through free agency. This team deserves better. Our playoff hopes should not ride on the shoulders of Justin Williams. Any team that loses Kopitar is gonna feel it. My questions is why does our season rely on just him. Ridiculous.

the_guv Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@Just another Fan, I don’t think there are too many “bandwagoneers” on here to begin with. Just fans, and we aren’t going anywhere, trust me!

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
@KingsFanFTW, When the going get tough…..

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@Osaka, yea i hope soo cant lose faith in these boys

[Reply]
Adamic39 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
@KingsFanFTW, Like was brought out by Foxie, when Stoll gets another goal, there will be SIX 20 goal players on the team. That is depth.

[Reply]
BobKnob Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 12:33 am
@Adamic39,
x2. It is obviously going to hurt us, but it is not the end of the world. I think we have some good talent we can call up as well to patch things up, and who knows, maybe they will shine when they get their chance in the Show.

[Reply]
Tomb Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 8:38 am
@BobKnob, Great goaltending and strong defense is what got us this far. We still have Quick, Doughty, Mitchell, Green, etc. holding up the back end and they are the ones who will lead the Kings during the playoffs.

Go Kings Go
Dutch says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Get Well soon, Anze!

[Reply]
David says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

I wanna throw up all over myself

[Reply]
KH says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Wow :/

[Reply]
Mesquite Smokie says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

OK.. that does it. Everyone needs to take a run at O’Byrne. oh wait.. season series is over and colorado is stuck in the cellar. Well ain’t that a kick in the teeth.

[Reply]
kevin Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Mesquite Smokie,

I hope you’re kidding. O’Byrne didn’t do anything wrong.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Mesquite Smokie, O’Byrne didn’t do anything.

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@mrbrett7,

You called it. Of course, I was hoping you were wrong, but yeah, legs don’t bend like that without breaking.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@wavesinair, Yeah…I don’t like being right, especially in a situation like this.

Although, I was wrong with one part of it…it looks like it’s not as bad as I thought it was. I really thought he destroyed the ankle, as in surgery an a long recovery. 6 weeks really isn’t much (of course this time of year it is).

wavesinair Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@wavesinair,

Actually, I don’t believe that estimate. It reeks of “minimizing the damage” to me. I’m sure the xray revealed a clean break, i.e. no shattering, but there are all sorts of issues that can be revealed in the MRI. I’m pretty sure they won’t do an MRI until at least 24 hours afterward and there’s no way to know exactly what’s going on until those results. Right?

sid the kid Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
@wavesinair, it wasn’t his right leg, which is the one that bent, that he had the broken ankle on. it was his left ankle, after a skate-on-skate contact.

poe Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Mesquite Smokie, O’Byrne did not cause injury to Kopi. He (Kopi) just made an awkward moveent and got twisted up.It is what it is and since hockey is a team sport, the rest of the team will really have to pick up their game in order to make the playoffs.
For Anje–we all wish him well and a speed recovery

[Reply]
Dom says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Damn…… who can we get? Schenn? Lokti is out, too….. *sigh*

[Reply]
lvkingaholic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@Dom, my guess is harrold on the 4th and readjust from there……..

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@Dom,

Elkins, Cliche, Azevedo, Schenn when his season is over…in that order.

[Reply]
Moondoggie Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
@wavesinair, I think you’re pretty close, although I wouldn’t discount Holloway or King even tho they’re wingers. If I’m a betting man, I think it will be either Elkins or Cliche until Schenn can come up. Both have decent size, both have played for LA on a limited basis, both are having decent seasons.

However…..Schenn is who we need right now.

[Reply]
mask0425x Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Anyone knows if this qualifies for an “Emergency Recall” and if “ER” (ironic, huh?) expands to the minor leagues? Schenn could sure make a difference righr around now.

Get well soon, Kopi!

[Reply]
wavesinair Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Rich Hammond Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 3:09 pm

“Schenn is not eligible to be called up, to the NHL or AHL, until his junior season has been completed, unless it falls under a very narrow emergency-recall situation.”

Does losing your #1 center qualify as “very narrow?”

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@wavesinair, No, it does not. The only narrow thing that qualifies is the inability to get a replacement in place in time for the game.

I.E. why Schenn was able to pay in Vancouver last season.
Blake says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:44 pm

Fml

[Reply]
lilwaynesimmonds says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:44 pm

i think i’m gonna cry

[Reply]
Crownme87 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:44 pm

wow………………

[Reply]
Slim says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:44 pm

REPOST:::
Datchuk and Frazen are out for the Wings.
Sharpe for Hawks..
Ovechkin for Caps..
Crosby and Malkin foe Penns..
And list goes on…
We can still do this…
GKG

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
@Slim, None of them are out for 6 weeks.

Well, Malkin is…the rest are not out for much longer (Crosby we have no idea about).

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@mrbrett7, Crosby has been out since January.

Good post, Slim!

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@DLB, Yup…and the Penguins had the depth to handle it…we don’t. The Penguins also had time to adjust, which the Kings do not.

There is a major difference in losing a player like Kopitar with 7 games to go in the regular season, where you are fighting for your playoff lives, than losing a Crosby or Malkin (or both), in January, where you have time to make trades, adjust your system, etc., to compensate for their loss in the lineup.

DesertKing Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@mrbrett7,

When he comes back it will take him awhile to get back in the swing of it.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@DesertKing, If there is no surgery required, not as much as you think. These guys are in unbelievable shape.

Kingsation8 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@Slim, Go Kings go!

[Reply]
David Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
@Slim, If you think Ovi, Datsyuk, and Franzen will be out for the playoffs then you got another thing coming

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
@Slim, ovechkin will be back for the playoff Kopi wont be

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@KingsFanFTW, They’ll just have to keep playing until he IS back.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, yea i think either he find a way in the middle of first one or if we win series one go to series 2

Paul G Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Slim, Datsyuk* Franzen* Sharp*

[Reply]
Amber says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:45 pm

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My day is ruined. Im so upset

[Reply]
HipCheck says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:45 pm

I knew it.

[Reply]
kingsalltheway says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Speechless…

[Reply]
nickdoh says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:45 pm

expletive.

[Reply]
Dave says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Can we please lift the ban on cursing? Just this once?

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Dave,

$*&$(#$()#_@)

Much better.

[Reply]
KFII says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:45 pm

Oh Kopi, get well soon. Bummer, 6 weeks. So sad.

[Reply]
Wezul says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:46 pm

At least it’s not an ACL/MCL. We don’t want to start down that road.

[Reply]
mrbrett7 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:46 pm

Well, 6 weeks is better than I had originally though. I was sure there was going to be a shattered ankle, and major surgery.

[Reply]
Agame Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@mrbrett7, I think it’s said minimum of six weeks!

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@Agame, If they are in the playoffs and still playing, he’ll be back.

Tomas Sandstrom played with a broken leg against Montreal. These guys play through more pain than any of us can really fathom.

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
@mrbrett7, Bobby Baun played with a broken ankle in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1964. He went down, got a cortisone shot, came in for the OT and he scored the game winner to advance back to Toronto for Game 7 in which the Maple Leafs won.

Agreed, hockey players play with more pain than most athletes. Better athletes, in my opinion.
lvkingaholic says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:47 pm

these guys might surprise the hell out of us……….

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@lvkingaholic,

Amen!

[Reply]
kb says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:47 pm

POOP

[Reply]
kb Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
@kb, “The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail. But hope remains, if friends stay true.” …. GANDAlF DIED AND THE RING WAS STILL DESTROYED!!.. just saying.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@kb,

Yep, just need the hobbits (Lewis, Richardson, Simmonds and Cliffored) to stand-up like Frodo and Sam. I bet Gollum would have been a Canuck!

[Reply]
KingMe20 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@DesertKing,

Nah, a Duck, definitely. Has as much hair as Getzlaf.

TwoFootAfro Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@kb, But the trade deadline has passed and we don’t have any hobbits.

[Reply]
Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@kb, Exactly when did Gandalf die?

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:47 pm

Now we’re going to find out how much depth the Kings really have. It’s time for everyone to look at his game, and figure out how to give just a little bit more.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Come to think of it, this is the rallying cry: Let’s give Kopi a reason to come back THIS POSTSEASON, instead of getting all defeatist.

[Reply]
kb Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, YEAHH!!!

[Reply]
Slim Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’m completely here with you on this post..
Keep our heads up.. you never know how this will turn out!

[Reply]
kb Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@Slim, see my post above

Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Excellent. I just cannot believe some of the crap people are spewing right now. DL sucks? Are you kidding me? Just as today’s game ended, the TEAM put forth the effort for a win. The TEAM will work their tails off knowing there is a big hole to fill..the TEAM will respond just watch and see!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Timbo from Canada Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Agree 100%. Everyone is bummed now including myself but let’s see what we are made of depthwise

[Reply]
ROCKFX Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
@Timbo from Canada,
Its so funny reading all the doom and gloom here. Look, I for one, am extremely bummed about Kopi, but hey, he didn’t score ALL the goals this season for the Kings. In other words this whole season has been about team work. Granted he is the top scorer, but it’s not like nobody else is scoring. It has been spread out with the players. But I think it’s time for players like Penner to step up, Smyth to find his groove (good game today), Brown to take leadership up a notch and the rest of the team to dig in. There is not gonna be a “quick fix” player to step in and replace Kopi. Getting adjusted to the system, players and NHL brand of hockey takes time. Something the team doesn’t have right now. They have the talent and capabilities of going AT LEAST to the second round. I truly believe this. Kopi didn’t win the 43 games this year. THE TEAM DID! Goal tending (Quick has been outstanding-JB is catching on), defence and TEAM WORK.
Remember, negative feelings produce a negative out come. Be positive. Don’t give up hope. Help push this team thru these trials. They will not go belly-up
GO KINGS GO
Fan since 1982

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:49 pm
@ROCKFX, heck yea agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kingeleven Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@ROCKFX,
Great post!

lvkingaholic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
@ROCKFX, kinda funny, is the glass half empty or full…….. mine is overflowing

Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
I think the Kings responded well after the Kopi injury. Smyth and Lewis scored….we will be just fine. Like what one of the players said, when a guy goes down, it’s an opportunity for others to fill in the gap. I think Ryan Smyth said that and when a player plays in 1,000 NHL games says something, you listen!

GKG!

[Reply]
Devi says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm

So that puts him hopefully coming back mid may? At least he’ll be okay for next season and thank goodness it’s not his knee or acl or mcl!

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
@Devi, Devin, are you off your rocker?????? You are thinking of next season?????? We still have lots of hockey left and before you know it, the Kings will be in the second round and Kopi will be back!

[Reply]
KH says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Well at least westgarth will play every game for the rest of the season…FML

[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@KH, I’m going to go jump out a window now. Thanks for that.

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@KH, Sit Westgarth and bring up Chaz Johnson from Manchester. The guy can play, is a bowling ball on the ice, hits like a storm, scores like hell, can fight better than most and has a swagger that is typical Hollywood!

Westgarth has been invisible since his nose was broken in a fight back in December!

[Reply]
Moontheloon23 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Honestly I was worried it was an ACL and he’d be gone 6 months.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
@Moontheloon23, I was too. I can’t imagine a broken angle being “good news,” but giving what we saw, it’s as close as you can get.

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,

You are right. I seriously sprained my ankle on an ATV. When the doctor said it was sprained, I said “Better than broken.” The doctor told me it would have been better if it had been boken since the healing is faster and cleaner.

[Reply]
Luuuuuuuuuuc! says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Maybe a silver lining. I’m no doctor, but I’ve heard a clean break could be better than a sprain. In the long run of course. Short term, yeah we’re screwed.

*Good vibes to Kopi…*

[Reply]
scootty Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@Luuuuuuuuuuc!, Yes a break is usually better than a sprain and Kopi is still young so if it’s a clean break it could heal within 4 weeks.

[Reply]
cjms Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@Luuuuuuuuuuc!, Definitely not worst case scenario. Bone is much easier to heal the tendons. At least it wasn’t the knee, then you’re talking 12-month rehab.

[Reply]
outsider says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm

That’s really sad. 6 weeeks will not be enough…

[Reply]
scootty says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Call up Schenn? Come on Dean, find another loophole.

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
@scootty, He doesn’t need a loophole. He needs Schenn’s minor league season to end.

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, He doesn’t need a loophole, just call him up. Management has fans so brainwashed into thinking like they do (to save money). Their is no reason not to call him up. You burn a year of his contact, so. He deserves to have a year burnned. You don’t think the guy should be paid? We won’t lose his rights. Nothing negative will happen to the team.

[Reply]
Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
@Osaka, Are you sure that Schenn, after playing in Juniors, can really just step right in and be a Magic Bullet? What are basing your data on?

Osaka Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
@Osaka, Oh no magic bullet, agreed. But with your top two scores out you bring up your best prospect. Win or lose you throw all the cards on the table. I wouldn’t put him on the first line at all.

Ken Dryden won the Conn Smythe in 71 and the Calder in 72. I am not saying Schene would have that kind of impact or success but in this situation you go with what you have. I think it may be a little easier to join the team now since the Kings are not going to be favorites to win anything by the “experts”, sort of a nothing to lose attitude.

art Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@scootty,

I wouldn’t want to burn a year off of his contract. Do playoff games count the same as regular season in terms of contract status?

[Reply]
Paul G Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@art, EVERYONE STOP ASKING THAT….. Yes I actually I would….it’s 1 year so get over it they can just resign him

Who would u want centering our first line….Lewis?

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
@art, Why? Why wouldn’t you want to burn a year? Do you pay him? This is an emergency situation, bring him up. We don’t lose his rights, he just burns a year off his contract which is no big deal.

[Reply]
Max in San Jose Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
@art, Yes, playoff games do count vs. the total. Though this will likely bust one of DL’s spreadsheets, if we get the chance to call up Schenn, I would do it at this point. It would probably cost the Kings $1-2M in extra cap space and $2-3M in real money.

[Reply]
Dave Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 1:28 am
@Max in San Jose, this team is not getting to the finals with Schenn. burning the contact year makes no sense. let this team that has been together fight through it and see what they do.
let Schenn get his playoff experience in Juniors and have him ready to win a spot in camp.

it’s way too much pressure on a 19 year old kid to make him the #1 center in a playoff race.

i appreciate wanting to win – i do as well. but DL is smart and he will take the future into account. Schenn wasn’t ready three months ago to play in the regular season, he’s not ready to play in the NHL playoffs now.
Gary says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Is it just me or isn’t hockey a “team” game. It’s sad that we have these late season injurys but at this time you can’t change anything. It is what it is; this team will have to learn to deal with what’s happened & guys are going to have to step up & make it work.

The Kings are def not going to be favorites going into any series with 2/3 of their top scoring line missing; however if they can continue to play team defence & timley scoring comes across from guys that are asking to fill the void…we still stand a chance…

Sad day for sure….to bad it’s so late in the season

[Reply]
JT Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Gary, Couldn’t have said it better. A fan should have faith in their team whether all of their top players are perfectly in tact or not! Will it be difficult, absolutely, impossible, no way. Stop moping and cheer our Los Angeles Kings into the playoff. A win is a win whether Kopitar scores or watches from the press box!

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
@JT,

Yes, Gary said it perfectly. Didn’t the canes win a Cup with a bunch of nobodys on their team? We have a good team with our main strengths being those that are most desirable in the platoffs, defence and goaltending.

[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@DesertKing, You mean no names like Eric Staal , Justin Williams , Rod Brindamour, Mark Recchi, and Ray Whitney?
LBlocal says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Considering the awkward way Kopi went down, a broken bone(s) is a less significant injury than extensive ligament damage to either his knee or ankle. Although he may not be back for six weeks.. It’s better than a 6 month rehab for an alternative ‘lower body’ injury. Hoping there is no ancillary damage.

Great win boys, keep it going! gKg!

[Reply]
39scars says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Bettergthan a sprain. Can we hold on until the third round?

[Reply]
Slim says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Yesterday Iron Man:::
Today broken ankle..
Couldn’t write a better script..
We have depth and kids can rise to occasion..
Fill sick to my soul for him…Tho…
Can’y give up now..
Must persevere….
GKG

[Reply]
kb Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
@Slim, word

[Reply]
variable says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:50 pm

i guess we are lucky baseball season starts this week…

really sad for all of us who love the kings…

with jw and kopi out, it would be a true miracle on ice if the remaining squad elevates their game to the compete level it’s going to take the rest of the way…

it’s gonna be tough to do, but it CAN be done…

let’s hope for the best…

get will kopi…(!)

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Baseball sucks. I want to see Kopitar on the ice in six weeks…or less…

[Reply]
Canadian King Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?,
I second that

[Reply]
Carolina Kings Fan Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, Agreed!

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@variable,

How funny (not what happened, just what you said : i guess we are lucky baseball season starts this week…)

I was thinking the same thing.
Unfortunately I can’t Stand the Yankees (though you being from here not sure where your loyalties lie….. hope I didn’t offend you, but I’m an Angels fan.
The big news today in the Times was that Matt Palmer might find a spot in the rotation. Yep, I’m SO excited that baseball season starts.

[Reply]
C leb Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
@number 6, Dodgers are from Brooklyn… just sayin’. and most of the real sports fans in LA are from other cities where sports is everything. Don’t hate on the Yanks #6… last i checked that score was 27 to 1,,, lol.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
@number 6,

Angels = Something else we have in common!
ABK = Anybody But Kasmir

[Reply]
DodgersKings323 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@number 6, I remember the Stats game i went to with my Dodger cap and one Stars fan said “Who cares about baseball” I didn’t even bother responding to that troll. I wonder if he’s saying the same thing now that his Rangers finally did something.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
@V,

The thing that bothers me is that I could feel the injuries coming. The Kings were too healthy 10 days ago…

Can Trevor Lewis elevate his game?
Too bad Loktionov got hurt… He would’ve been interesting to watch.
Who would be next up from Manchester?

[Reply]
variable Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,

B…

i don’t know…

holloway…?
azevedo…?
king…?
zeiler…?

eh…can we petition the league to make an emergency trade…?!?!

[Reply]
lvkingaholic says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:50 pm

sure picked a bad time to quit sniffing glue…………..

[Reply]
Kingsation8 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
@lvkingaholic, uuuhhhh?

[Reply]
David Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
@lvkingaholic, LMFAO sry I couldn’t stop laughing after I read this

[Reply]
lvkingaholic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@David, glad somebody got it, humor is a good thing right now………..

[Reply]
lvkingaholic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@lvkingaholic, kinda feel like lloyd bridges right now………. fried

Gislaw Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@lvkingaholic,

LOL…skipped the cigarettes and straight to the glue. Jokes are always welcome in a time of despair.

Pull together Kings!

[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
@lvkingaholic,

Lets stay away from the gladiator movies.

[Reply]
go says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:51 pm

Kopitar’s season is not over. He’ll be back in the playoffs.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@go, i hope so we really need him

[Reply]
go Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@KingsFanFTW, No hope needed. It will happen. The Kings are a very good team. Brown will step up and make sure that Kings will play up to their potential.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@go,

Nope.
Think 4 months including full rehab for endurance and strength… For non-complicated injury.

Example: Angels 1st baseman Kendrys Morales injured in May last year, still does not have full flexibility recovered yet.

[Reply]
Dave's a Killer Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, Yeah, but your talking about baseball players. How can that have anything to do with Hockey?

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy, That’s baseball…….baseball players don’t “recover” from injuries like hockey players. Hockey players play with pain and some actually have played with broken bones during the playoffs and don’t broadcast it. Earlier posting recalled Kings Tomas Sandstrom playing the 1993 NHL Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final with a broken bone in his leg. Bobby Baun scored the game winning overtime goal in the 1964 NHL finals with a broken ankle that was not revealed until the series was over.

Hockey players are tough!

[Reply]
vplaza says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:52 pm

Damn. Come on, boys, you can do it.

[Reply]
Canadian King says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:53 pm

Well that makes me want to puke. Here’s hoping the Saskatoon Blades get swept in the first round.

[Reply]
Puckn-A Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
@Canadian King, haha was thinking the same thing while Kopi was laying on the ice, well after I wiped my tears and cleaned up my vomit of course.

[Reply]
VanKingsFan says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:53 pm

Time for Lewis to step up big time… bring up Cliche or Elkins to take Lewis’ place on the 4th line

[Reply]
JureEe says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:54 pm

KOPI! why need to happen this? i hope that you came back stronger that you have ever been!

greeting from Slovenia

[Reply]
mckinggolf says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:54 pm

I’m so so sad right now. I’d sure Kopi feels even worse than we all do. Kopi get better soon. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.

[Reply]
- ViC - says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:54 pm

I knew it. It looked pretty bad on the slow replay. 6 weeks only? Thought it would take longer

[Reply]
Airwaves says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:54 pm

The saddest news I’ve heard. Dang I’m speechless right now…

[Reply]
JohnnyVirgil says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Ok……..Though I’m as devastated as the rest of you….If you look at the BIG picture….long term…..when you think about recovery time and rehab…..a broken ankle is better than a blown up knee (which I thought it was)…..either way, the boys have to suck it up….

[Reply]
Kings x says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:54 pm

El finito. He will be back in time for golf in the off season. We were going to be done in a hard fought 6 game opening round series. Too bad it takes kopi season ending injury to get smyth to get a goal. Lewis too.

[Reply]
Mikey J. says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Well so it goes. I guess were officially a underdog team now. It will most likely be more difficult for other teams to scout us. Hope Anze heals up well.

[Reply]
lvkingaholic says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:55 pm

time for dustin brown to rally the troops.. show us that why he has the c on his sweater………

[Reply]
HipCheck says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:55 pm

I certainly don’t think they’re done for, but it will be an uphill battle.

I hope they surprise everyone and continue with their stellar defense and start scoring by committee. Other teams have done it. It’s just not easy to do consistently.

[Reply]
RYC says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Well, the news is out of the way. Now it’s time to suck it up and get this team to the playoffs.
I don’t care how good one player is in hockey, they don’t carry an entire team themselves.

[Reply]
JohnnyVirgil Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@RYC, except if you’re wearing #32 for the Kings

[Reply]
George says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Wow!! This is unreal…two top guys out for a month???
Hmmmmm….don’t know what to say….mind has gone
blank..

[Reply]
Jkking says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Time for westgarth to shine!!!

[Reply]
D Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Jkking lol thanks for that, I needed something to lift my spirits.

[Reply]
JohnnyVirgil Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@D, way to lighten up the room!!!!!

[Reply]
Derek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
@Jkking, lol

[Reply]
- ViC - says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Today is a sad day! Even with a good win today.

[Reply]
dwd says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

This sucks on so many levels – not just for the Kings as a whole, but for Kopitar’s personal development also. The guy would be getting precious playoff experience this year, but obviously that’s not going to happen. Why why why.

[Reply]
go Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
@dwd,I don’t know what calendar your looking at. But mine says the Stanley Cup playoffs are happening in 6 weeks.

[Reply]
dwd Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@go, I sure hope you’re right, but even if the Kings get that far and Kopitar rejoins them, that’s still a lot of playoff games wasted.

[Reply]
Gislaw Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@go, three weeks on my calendar.

[Reply]
lg says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Well when it rains it pours.. doesn’t mean we don’t have a shot tho…. ouch..

[Reply]
KindSir says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

Wow, worst news ever… ugh

[Reply]
Kingsation8 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

I would have rather gotten killed 10-0 by the Avs today than lose Kopi. They were spoilers, instead of spoiling one game, they spoiled a longer time for us..

[Reply]
HockeyGeoff says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:57 pm

I remember when Crosby played on a broken ankle until Pittsburg was eliminated in the playoffs, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kopitar return before six weeks.

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
@HockeyGeoff, It will happen because hockey players have more heart than most athletes.

[Reply]
Agame says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:57 pm

I hope he can play in the lord Stanley cup finals!

[Reply]
Mel Powell says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:58 pm

So, mid-May. In time for the Conference Finals. That’ll be a real boost, to get him back then. (Or the Curse of the Curved McSorley Stick lives on…)

[Reply]
Kingsation8 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
@Mel Powell, Let’s still focus on clinching a spot, you never know what can happen…

[Reply]
LCASe9 says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:58 pm

At least it was just the ankle!!

[Reply]
Minnesota Kings Fan Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
@LCASe9, You have a point. Ripped ligaments, muscles, torn cartilage, etc. would be much worse. A bone will knit and heal completely. Serious soft tissue damage is another thing entirely.

[Reply]
Drip Wear Clothing says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:58 pm

Man this really screws up my weekend….HOWEVER….had it been an ACL or MCL or some serious tear, that could have meant most of the 2011-2012 season as well….yes this is terrible, but this could mean 3rd round if we make it

[Reply]
ResedaKingsFan says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:58 pm

Someone needs to step up big time so Kopi can play again this year. This makes me sick to my stomach. Get well soon, Kopi. We need you.

[Reply]
Slim says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:59 pm

I know Kopi is a HUGE part of our game..
But as a Kings fan
I refuse to give up..You never know
what tomorrow brings…
I will still be watching and routing everyMFnight…

[Reply]
vtecjunkie says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:59 pm

Still say the reason is switching skates. Doesn’t matter.

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW says:

March 26, 2011 at 3:59 pm

I thought Kopi was immune to injury Get well fast Kopi we need u

[Reply]
Mikefromearth says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:01 pm

So sad to hear Kopi will be out. On the other hand, the Kings are generally playing well. We can make the playoff and Kopi can recover with time left. Will he? That remains to be seen. All we can do it keep our heads up and show our team that we support them. GKG!!!

[Reply]
Slim says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:01 pm

It’s making all the hockey news
right now.. Not the attention we really want…

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
@Slim, Who knows? Might help. Maybe other teams will coast a little bit against the Kings over this last stretch.

[Reply]
lvkingaholic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Slim, who knows, maybe the other teams think we are dead and will be ripe for easy pickens, they got another thing comin………..

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@lvkingaholic,

Kopi will be back before you know it……broken ankle is a long way from the heart and knowing our All-Star, he will be back!

GKG

[Reply]
darthrojas9 says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:02 pm

“itold u god wouldnt let us be successful!”- george costanza

[Reply]
What's the frequency, Kenneth? says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:03 pm

Let’s all go out and get wrecked!

[Reply]
JohnnyVirgil Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’ll get the first round……….

[Reply]
Voice Of Reason says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:03 pm

Hey…what is that? May 7th? That’s 2nd round…right?

[Reply]
KingsFanFTW Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
@Voice Of Reason, i believe so

[Reply]
tellmeY says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:04 pm

Get him that same doctor that justin had and he is right back in starting next season….that and Tim Adams training.

[Reply]
MJ says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:04 pm

I agree HockeyGeoff…I think given the circumstances, should we make it past the first two rounds, he may skate again this year. Inspiration for a cup run? Who knows. Definitely the biggest hurdle we’ve faced in the past three years or so!

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
@MJ, And it sounds so ripe for the Kings to be the big story in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs…..winning with great goaltending, gritty tough defense (half the games we played this season, the Kings have allowed 2 goals or less a game……AWESOME) and depth…..anyone can be a danger powerkeg on any given night, the boys will step it up! We will be fine, just take it one game at a time and not think too far ahead.

[Reply]
Darren says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:05 pm

Worst nightmare that no one thought would happen

[Reply]
tellmeY says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:06 pm

I know we all feel bad…but you know how Kopi must feel…he is such a great guy and an awsome competitor. He really was looking forward to playoffs….uh…I’m gunna start crying again…

[Reply]
SaveByCechmanek says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:06 pm

Bad. He’s the Kings’ iron man but the law of averages caught up in a horrible way. Feel bad for Kopi who was having a spectacular season.

[Reply]
number 6 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@SaveByCechmanek,

Things could be worse. Cechmanek could still be the Kings netminder. Well then I suppose we wouldn’t be worried about what happens in the playoffs.

[Reply]
CB14 says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:08 pm

For all those people saying our season is over, you need too see this.YouTube link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGIPCGyihxw LOL! Get well soon Kopi

[Reply]
Bill M. says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:08 pm

Six weeks…ouch, still. I think the only team we can’t beat without kopi is Van. If we can avoid them until the conference finals, he could be back.

[Reply]
Jimmi says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Why????
I am from Slovakia and i am fun at least 12 years. Its like curse. Everytime when Kings are playing well this things happens:(
Its same like with LAPD. It was the best line and then Allison and Daedmarsh were injured.

Good luck Kings and good luck Kopitar

[Reply]
lvkingaholic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
@Jimmi, love it man…………

[Reply]
Bonvivant1 says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:15 pm

Guys. Look at the Coyotes. Do they have a scorer in the top twenty? No. Do they compete? Yes. They score by committee and have exemplary goal tending. There are a lot of parallels here. WE have exemplary goal tending and play a strong defensive game. We have more skill that they do. Bottom line we can still do well in the playoffs. Everyone needs to step up and the “vets” need to provide leadership. Adversity builds character and we’re facing it right now. No excuses for a let down. Kopi’s minutes are huge and he plays in all situations but we’ll see if that hole can be filled by our depth players.

[Reply]
DLB Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@Bonvivant1, ^ yeah!

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:19 pm
@Bonvivant1, BEST POST OF ALL! So correct and so true! I am still encouraged.

[Reply]
Vic says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Let’s see how long it takes to make NHL.com. Nothing there yet one hour after game.

No respect for LA hockey. If this was Sid or Ovi, it’d be Breaking News.

Just saying…

[Reply]
- ViC - Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@Vic, Cool name Vic!

[Reply]
Vic Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
@- ViC -, Press link in my name. Even cooler

[Reply]
mikie says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:17 pm

WE STILL CAN WIN OUR DIVISION AND GET HOME ICE IN THE OPENING ROUND.4TH PLACE OVERALL TOO….WITHOUT KOPI IT WILL TAKE EVERYONE TO STEP UP THEIR GAME…..DOABLE YES….I’M WAITING FOR THE NEW LINE UP AGAINST THE OILERS……….SPEEDY RECOVERY KOPI

[Reply]
Ready for the Cup in LA says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:18 pm

Sounds horrible and you got to feel bad for Kopi as a person. Hope he can make it back to 100% right away.

As for the Kings, now it’s put up or shut up. Ducks did it, Blackhawks are doing it, Pens really doing it… Kings can do it. The Kings rely on defense first anyway. Perhaps if others can pick up the slack a bit and the Kings can become an EVEN stingier defensive team, they can still find a way. 75 games in, can’t give up now.

I just wish we still had Schenn or Lokti on the team right now…

[Reply]
money says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:18 pm

Sorry but no way we can get close to the cup without Kopitar. Sorry to say but all the hard work this season just went into a cast.

[Reply]
mcdangles says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:21 pm

Time for the rest of the team and Murray to show the fans and more play hard and win for Kopitar

[Reply]
mcsorleyfan says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:22 pm

On KNX they were reporting it as a knee strain. Any possibility there’s been an update, or is their info obsolete/inaccurate?

[Reply]
Edward R. Meek Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
@mcsorleyfan, KNX either reported it that way before it became official or they went the un-professional route by reporting it incorrectly.

[Reply]
ocKINGhb says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:23 pm

Time for Penner and Brown to step into new role. Bring up a scorer with desire to win, forget harrold

[Reply]
Minnesota Kings Fan says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:26 pm

Oh no… (Head drops… Long silence)

I am crushed. I will never turn my back on the Kings, but how are they going to do it without Kopitar? Can the boys turn it up and make up for his absence for the rest of the season and win two rounds of playoffs? Can they make it to the Conference Final and get Kopitar back, then make a push to win it all? I’m not feeling too optimistic, but…

GO KINGS GO!
GO KINGS GO!
GO KINGS GO!
GO KINGS GO!

[Reply]
Ron says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Give him some pain killers and a whole lotta tape. He’ll be ready in 1 week.

[Reply]
LInda says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:31 pm

So sorry Kopi, Feel better soon.

[Reply]
Greg T says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:35 pm

This will test the team’s heart and depth. Kopi is the best! How can this happen!
Curses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Reply]
steve says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:41 pm

is it a broken ankle or fracture? I keep hearing Nick Nickson saying fracture.

If Kopi is a quick healer he has 2 to 3 weeks to get ready. Circulate the blood Kopi.

[Reply]
SKF says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:43 pm

Willy…Now Kopi… get well soon boys, we’ll miss you in the short term. But I believe that the way this team is built, they’ll still leave their mark in the playoffs. Gut check time, and they’ll rise above it. GKG!

[Reply]
Osaka says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:43 pm

Maybe it is time to burn a year on Schene’s entry level contract. I say bring him up now, it is an emergency. Not a time to pinch pennies and worry about paying a guy more money a year earlier.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Osaka, Not allowed to until his junior season is over and they are picked to go deep in their playoffs. Probably not gonna happen.

[Reply]
Osaka Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
@KC23, Yes you are allowed. The only thing that happens is one year is burned off his enrty level contract, so.

[Reply]
Kris Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
@Osaka, we called him up for a game late (but not this late) last season. Still under the “limit” of games for this season. Perhaps Rich can update us on this rule. If it is allowed, may be a smart move.
Ersberg says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:47 pm

I’m looking forward to seeing how Lewis works out on an offensive line. I’d say 1g 1a today is a healthy start.

[Reply]
KC23 Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
@Ersberg, I love Lewis’s game this year. He has become an amazing PK guy. He looked right at home with Smyth and Brown, but we were playing one of the very worst teams in hockey.

[Reply]
Ersberg Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@KC23, He looked pretty good. This could be one of those shining moments for a somewhat unknown player.

[Reply]
gr81scores says:

March 26, 2011 at 4:50 pm

Yes, it stinks. The good news is that now all the bandwagoners may jump off and head down south the I-5. It’s still a team sport and a chance for others to step up and take responsibility.

[Reply]
the dude from the southeast says:

March 26, 2011 at 5:07 pm

if im correct wiliams was a dislocated shoulder so we should have him back beginning to mid-first round…..so we should nt drop our heads and throw in the towels…..we have scoring and great goaltenders and defensive men well be fine GKG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!get well soon kopi and williams

[Reply]
Camarillo Andy says:

March 26, 2011 at 5:18 pm

I hope it’s a quick heal for Kopitar. I suffered a compunx ankle fracture/dislocation
about 10 months ago. Ive been on crutches since early June.
His is minor if they’re saying 6 weeks. Good luck to the team.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@Camarillo Andy,

That’s about right…
It’s much more than 6 weeks…

I hope Kopi is ready for the start to the season.

[Reply]
mmlakings says:

March 26, 2011 at 5:23 pm

cliche is out for rest of season, he isn’t an option.

[Reply]
BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy says:

March 26, 2011 at 5:28 pm

Wordle cloud:

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3366929/LAKings_Insider_Blog

[Reply]
DodgersKings323 says:

March 26, 2011 at 5:35 pm

Good time to have a fridge full of beer.

[Reply]
SlimVincent says:

March 26, 2011 at 5:46 pm

quick, brown, doughty, smyth, stoll, bernier etc…. a good mix of youth, experience, skills and leadership. Kopi and williams will be missed, but this is a team sport and there are some good healthy hockey players in the kings locker room that will look at this as an opportunity to put their own stamp on the season. Smyth kicked that off in the third period. that wasn’t a coincidence.

[Reply]
Kris says:

March 26, 2011 at 6:05 pm

Oh crap! Get better soon Kopi! Guess we will find out in a day or 2 who (if anyone) is getting called up?

[Reply]
Dave says:

March 26, 2011 at 6:06 pm

Time to look forward to next year – don’t even think about burning a year on Schenn.

Give a kid a shot and see what you have for next year.

All I can say is it’s probably better that it’s a broken ankle than knee tear. He will be ready to go come camp

[Reply]
ColoKingFan says:

March 26, 2011 at 6:43 pm

if anyone needs encouragment.. i have a retarded alcoholic friend who has done nothing but smoke or drink for the better part of 20 years.. he broke his ankle four weeks ago and is walking crutch free today… ok not much hope but i tried…

[Reply]
darthruvious Reply:
March 26th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
@ColoKingFan, Thats great! LOL I have sprained my ankle several times, and each time the Dr. said it is actually better to break your ankle than to severely sprain it.

[Reply]
Hat trick says:

March 26, 2011 at 6:44 pm

Good Lord are they sure it isn’t just a sprain???

[Reply]
ToughD says:

March 26, 2011 at 6:59 pm

We could still be ok but Kopi is a game breaker on a team void of game breakers. And realize this gloomy fact: Our power play just got weaker.

[Reply]
KingsOfComedy says:

March 26, 2011 at 7:20 pm

Now is the time for the youth to step up. This is an oppurtunity for the Matt Moulsons, Brian Boyle’s, Teddy Purcells to come out of the closet. We can show Kopi we have depth and are not a one horse team.

[Reply]
Kenny44 says:

March 26, 2011 at 7:20 pm

I injured my ankle almost the exact same way, trying to work my way off the boards by backing out with the puck between 2 guys, tripped with my right skate caught under me and came down with all my weight on my ankle. Bad high ankle sprain, but no fracture. I didn’t play again for about 9 weeks reinjured it and missed about the same amount of time again. After that, I could run and skate and felt just fine, but the board battles trying to lean and push and bear the weight of that was what took the most time to get back. I would feel the ankle get “loose” now and then even up to a year later.
I know Kopi’s going to get the best care and I wish him the best. I’m sure he’s a 100x tougher than me and will be back for the finals.
Step up Lewis, Richie, Moller, and future call-up to be named later. Your chance to shine a bit. We need more from Simmer, Poni, Zeus, Smyth and Stoll.
Go Kings Go!

[Reply]
OCKingsFan says:

March 26, 2011 at 7:42 pm

There goes the season we have worked so hard for….This totally sucks…I hope to be pleasantly surprised by everyone stepping it way way up, but I don’t know how we are going to score much at all without Williams and Kopi…this is a huge blow!

[Reply]
Lou Filliger says:

March 26, 2011 at 8:11 pm

This sucketh mightily.

[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 10:59 am
@Lou Filliger,

Thor, is that you?

[Reply]
McDonalds says:

March 26, 2011 at 9:11 pm

ARG #$(*@!%)#@!$*%@)%(!)@#@$!!!!!!

I taped the game and went home to watch it. Bro was watching USA soccer. I look just in time to see not the score of the game on the bottom bar, just that Kopitar was out for 6 weeks.

I then had to sit, hit play, and just wait for the worst to happen…

This SUCKS. I’ve been talking with a few friends, and I came to realize that Kopi might be the MVP of the league in the sense that he is irreplaceable. Crosby goes down, he can be replaced by Malkin. Ovi has Backstrom and Semin to step up. The twins have one another plus a strong supporting cast which includes Kesler and others. The only players i can think of at the moment that are just as irreplacible as Kopi are Rick Nash and, to a lesser extent, Eric Staal. Maybe that’s just my shocked brain not thinking straight, but i don’t think so.

Tough road ahead. Would be pretty epic if we can pull it off…Go Kings

[Reply]
Chris says:

March 26, 2011 at 10:11 pm

Get Well Soon!!

[Reply]
darthruvious says:

March 26, 2011 at 10:21 pm

Hey Kings fans, I am just as disappointed as you are, however the kings are overall a very solid team. If they did not go on that early season skid they would be second in the conference. Sure we can use some more scoring and losing Anze does not help matters. Defense will step up and maybe Quick will carry the team through. Every playoff year there is a goalie who puts the team on his shoulders and keeps them in it. Maybe it will be Quicks turn. Blaming the GM for not bringing in players does not make sense to me. Players dont come here maybe because of the atmosphere. Like booing your team and mocking your goalie on a rough night. Murray may not have handled that situation right, still I agree with what he said. If you want good hockey players in LA turn LA into a hockey town. GO KIngs Go!! 2010-2011

[Reply]
poe says:

March 26, 2011 at 10:54 pm

The sky is not falling. Stepped up teamwork will carry the team!!!

[Reply]
pat says:

March 26, 2011 at 11:23 pm

NOOO well who’s going to fill the number 1 center role.. ??

[Reply]
Steve W says:

March 27, 2011 at 12:02 am

It should have been Kobe not Kopi with the broken ankle!

[Reply]
jason says:

March 27, 2011 at 12:25 am

on a good note breaks are better than ligaments and stuff.. not really a career ending injury like knees and concussions… trying to be positive haha

[Reply]
Dave says:

March 27, 2011 at 12:54 am

it’s not the worst news that it’s a broken ankle – could have been a lot worse. this season is basically over but Kopi will be ready to go at camp.

i know the team won’t give up and hopefully they can hang on to a playoff spot. but my expectations are lowered – i would be satisfied with making the playoffs at this point. the realistic goal for this team with Kopitar was 2nd round of the playoffs. hopefully they still make it in and get some more experience and if you get in you never know.

but for me i am remembering that this team’s future is brighter than the present. this probably wasn’t our year anyway and if this is going to happen better to happen this year than next.

great year Kopi – you will be missed for the rest of this year. see you in October.

[Reply]
tuan jim says:

March 27, 2011 at 2:33 am

God was not kind to us today.

Let’s hope He’s in a better mood through the rest of April — and into May and June.

[Reply]
Jure Pegam, Slovenia says:

March 27, 2011 at 2:48 am

Anže, pozdravi se čimprej! Res si izjemen igralec in čudovit človek in ti želim še VEEEELIKO uspehov v karieri! Pošiljam ti lepe pozdrave in pozitivne misli iz Kranja! Drži se, mi v Sloveniji smo s tabo in držimo pesti za čimhitrejše okrevanje!

Translation:
Anze, get well as soon as possible! You are trully a outstanding player and a tremendeous person and I wish you a LOOOOOOOT of success in your career! and I am sending you greetings and positive thoughts from Kranj! Hang on! People in Slovenia are with you and we are keeping our fingers crossed for speedy recovery after injury!

Lep pozdrav/best regards and wishes from Kranj, Slovenia (about 30 kilometers from his home town:)
Jure Pegam

GO KINGS GO !!!

[Reply]