Anze Kopitar made an appearance at the practice rink today, and will also be at tonight’s game to participate in the postgame Fan Appreciation ceremonies. Kopitar is walking with crutches, with a massive cast on his foot and lower leg, but said he hopes to have it removed on Monday and have it replaced by a walking boot. Kopitar didn’t really have a timetable for his return to hockey-related activities, but said his injury was very similar to the one Justin Williams had last season, and Williams was off the ice for approximately two-and-a-half months. “He still has his leg attached to his body, so that’s good,” Kopitar said with a laugh, referring to Williams. Here’s what Kopitar said today about his injury and recover, starting with his short-term status…
KOPITAR: “We’ll just wait and see how everything turns out. I’m sure they’re going to be having me doing some tests, some range-of-motion tests, and see how everything goes during this time. After that, we’ll see.”
Question: When the injury happened, did you know right away that there was something seriously wrong?
KOPITAR: “I felt it pop right away on the ice. I had a big stinger down my leg and I didn’t feel anything. I think I actually tried to get up, too, and skate to the bench, but I just buckled and I knew something was wrong and I felt it pop again. I was just hoping it was going to be the bone, and not everything else. It’s a little unfortunate, but that happens sometimes.”
Question: Being around here, around the rink, does it help a little bit?
KOPITAR: “It’s so hard. I was just talking with Hexy [Ron Hextall] and all those guys. When you’re here all the time, sometimes (to have) a couple days to get away from this place, it’s nice. The first couple days, you’re like, `OK, this is not too bad right now,’ but then Day 4 you just hit a wall and it’s like, `Oh, I’m ready for the bone to heal again and get going.’ But it’s not going to be easy. … You’re sitting there on the couch watching games and you can’t do anything about it. You can’t do anything, pretty much. it’s a lot of TV, some computer, a lot of games on the computer and that’s it.”
Keep fighting the good fight Kopi! Don’t worry, we won’t win the cup without you
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SHUCHUK Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
@jonsey, he’s still get a ring. like when colorado won the cup after year Forsberg’s spleen broke (vs LA)
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rontheking Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
@jonsey,
Yeah, there’s no real worries there. Ha ha ha!
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get well soon kopi!!! come back next year better than ever! you made a strong run for the selke this year. i bet he get nominated for it nest year.
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king_stoner Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
@king_stoner,
i bet he *gets* nominated for it *next* year.
thats what the sentence should have said
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Ah that sucks, best wishes for a full recovery Anze!
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Just don’t play NHL 11.
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jonsey Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
@goldielocks, I hate that game. NHL 96 baby!
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Big Rob in Dallas Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@jonsey, Actually, I just got NHL 11. Why do you hate it? It’s not like I have time to play it with my work schedule and the family.
I used to rule Sega way back in the day. Not so good with the controller yet for NHL 11.
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CEFox17 Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
@goldielocks, Kopi in World of Warcraft?
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Belexes Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@CEFox17,
Actually I have a character named “Anze” or “Kopitar” in every online MMO I play!
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goldielocks Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
@CEFox17, Don’t tempt him, lol!
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win it for kopi!
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Wonder if he is reading this blog with all the spare time he has
now. If so, allow me to speak for all Kings fans when I say;
We love you and miss you Anze!
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Belexes Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@Croz,
Hope he doesn’t read to much into these posts, like “poorman’s” below, they just tend to be a little off base.
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Croz Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
@Belexes, I agree but Kopi is a smart dude. I’m sure he realizes that we Kings fans are very passionate about our team and that sometimes our passion can get the best of us…But Dear Jesus how we miss him in every aspect of the game right now! We need Willy!
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Off topic: The rangers could miss the playoffs if CAR wins tonight. EVEN THOUGH they have more wins (44) and a better goal differential (20-something). I do not like the tie breaking procedure. They should just add another game to break 8th seed ties. Winner takes all. Or else just go with most wins, fewest regulation losses, and then most goals for.
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wavesinair Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@jonsey,
What about head to head? Not on your radar?
For me, that should be the 1st tie breaker between 2 tied clubs with the same number of points.
Carolina and New York split the season series 2-2 but Carolina got 6 points and New York only got 4.
If Carolina beats Tampa, they deserve it.
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looks like it’s solitaire and chess titans for anze…
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Here we go again. Keep riding Quick even if he keeps losing. The bold move would have been to see how the team would play with Bernier in the net tonight. Really nothing to lose. The Kings are in the playoffs. If Quick loses tonight, and I’m worried they will, do we wheel him out in Playoff Game 1 riding a two game losing streak similar to a year ago. I really want to see Bernier play under pressure. Unfortunately, TM will ride Quick to at least Game 3 in the playoffs even if he keeps losing. I hope I’m wrong with this analysis. Just my gut tells me Bernier is better under pressure. Will we see?
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TD Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
@Poorman, nothing to lose? I know the players, coaches, management and any fan of the kings sure as hell doesn’t want to play the canucks in the first round! Lose tonight and that’s what we get! Wake up, “nothing to lose”
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puck73 Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Poorman, Why dont you give the “Bernier should be starting” stuff a rest. Everytime you post on this site, you criticize people like Quick, TM, and Lombardi and yet you offer no tangible solutions. Look, you are a passionate Kings fan like many on this site, no one questions that. But I got news for you, you dont know as much about player personell evaluation as Dean Lombardi. Also, in reference to Quick, you name for me 1 goaltender in the NHL who is 10 and 0 in the shootout…you cant! The fact is, Jon Quick makes saves at the most crucial times and keeps his team in the game, and quite often wins these games. To finish, Bernier would not have won last night either when all the Kings offense could muster was just 1 goal. You need to get off Quick already unless you can come up with a more tangible answer then..”I have a gut feeling”
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
@Poorman, I agree, Bernier played great going down the stretch. He deserves this last game. Thought I might of run into you Poorman at the game on Wedsneday. The game was great, but the Greenroom Vip thing was a bust. If any of you are going tonight, my bet is that you will be shocked on what your 138.00 bought you. For a fan who drove over 1500 miles there and back I got ripped off. The game was the best part, but as far as the VIP treatment, bottom of the totom pole. Thus is why the “higher up’s” call it a green room. I was treated like a second class joker trying my best to feel important. No they said ” show your card, grab a small cup of beer and get back to your seats”. Lame, Lame, Lame!!!!!!! Our seats were miles away from the dumb room and you had to bring back your small cups. Never again will I buy a Promotional ticket deal from AEG. It was AEG who dropped the ball, No class.
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puck73 Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Wow Charlie, I have never heard you so incensed before on this site. Usually when you post, it is positive and full of love about the Kings and their fans. You feel the same way about your green room experience as I do that 40 year Teemu Selanne is taking steroids….VERY PASSIONATE !
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Poorman Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@kinginsaltlake, Sorry to hear that about the promotion. Did you meet Rich at least? Having done many appearances as a radio and TV guy, you always want to make your fans feel special. My suggestion would be to contact Lieuweke’s office and let them know. He seems like a good guy.
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kinginsaltlake Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@Poorman, Rich was nowhere’s to be found.
Slim Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@Poorman,
Who do you like better the Beatles or the Stones?
See where I’m going with this…
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Poorman Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@Slim, Neither that much. Music’s a whole other issue. How about music during the games. Now there’s a topic!
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HockeyGeoff Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
@Poorman, You’re wrong. Quick was the best player last night (like most nights) and the loss was not indicative of Quick’s ability to play in these important situation. It’s not Quick’s fault for being beaten by Tamue; I mean, who doesn’t he beat? It is however the D’s fault for letting a player of his skill get to an open puck and have that much time to pick his spot.
Last season was Quick’s first full NHL season and look how he has adjusted. Furthermore, last year’s playoffs was Quick’s first seven game series he has ever played in his profesional carrear. If Quick can adjust to a full NHL season with incredible results, then just think about the performance he is capable of in the playoffs. Now it’s about the TEAM coming together and everyone playing with a drive I think that only a few players show show a night.
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Dominick Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
@Poorman,
Are you some kind of alchemist? Self proclaimed Nostrodamus? Your gut tells you that Bernier is better under pressure, but you have no fact to base this prophecy on. Quick is not folding under pressure. His last 6 losses, he only gave up more than 3 twice, in a little over a month. 4 of those losses he gave up 3 twice, and 2 twice, and still lost. How is that the same as last season? Bernier is an important cog in the machinery, but hasn’t proved anything other than he’s become a solid back up that we can rely on now.
Slap Quick in the face for his efforts if you feel you must, but your slapping the wrong guy.
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Poorman Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Dominick, All I’m saying is give Bernier a start under pressure, and see how the team comes together, but TM won’t.
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Gary Livingston Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
@Poorman, How can you say this game is one under pressure for Bernier WHILE saying the team has nothing to lose?
That makes no sense.
Goring 19 Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Poorman, broken record….broken record…..broken record….broken record…..broken record….broken record….blah blah blah
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Poorman Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@Goring 19, I agree. it won’t happen. The team is just so conservative all the time.
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Damn…that’s so sad to hear how Kopi’s dealing with this. Poor guy
We miss you, Kopi! Get well soon!
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It’s one thing being a fan and watching the kings
not score timely goals…
Can you imagine Kopi sitting in front of the TV
and screaming at the box like most of us do?
We can’t do anything and he knows he can make a difference…
With his dogged determination, it must really bother him…
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loskingpride Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Slim, I know when I missed my senior year of soccer because of a torn labrum and watched from the sidelines it ate me up inside every time the freshmen goalie gave up the super softies and played with no heart. I can only feel maybe a quarter of what Kopi feels at this point.
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Heal like nobody else!
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Get well soon!!!
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They should give his leg sonograms. It heals bone very quickly. The soft tissue can then be strengthened after.
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duct tape that leg up and get out there….just kidding.
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Anze,
Watching you play is pure joy. Control, grace, position, patience, style.
All the best to you. Here’s a “toast” to a successful rehab.
-Larry
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Can’t wait to hear the huge pop in the building when the crowd sees him.
Here’s hoping we hold on to 6th place because DET is ready to check out early. That’s our best angle for getting into the second round.
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Kopi, It is a bad break, sorry about the pun, but what I hope happens is that the rest of the team rallies around you. They are the ones who feel lost without you in the lineup, but they are also the ones who need to pick up the slack. If they make some good strides in the playoffs it will make them more confident next year, knowing they are going to be even better with your return.
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C’mon, Rich, you missed out on the important, hard-hitting questions in this one. Like, where was the follow up about what computer games he is playing? These are the important things.
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Dominick Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Danielle, Ha ha! I think he has an old Atari system and plays Pong nightly.
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Danielle Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
@Dominick,
LOL.
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you are one of my favirotes i am so sorry you got hurt get better so you can play agian we need you buddy your a big part of the game our defence is nothing with out you.i will bw praying for you
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Wonder if he is yelling “SHOOT!!!!!!!” at the TV when we are on the powerplay?
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LittleRhody Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
@DirtWeeaZle, Hopefully, watching the games will give him a different perspective on how/where the team needs to improve.
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So good to hear from Kopi! We miss you Kopi and hope you heal and feel better soon! All the Kings fans are going to go nuts when they announce Kopi’s in da house! Go Kings Go!!!!
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Not to be negative Nancy but I’m sorry its just hard for me to picture the kings making a long run in the playoffs without Kopi. I would love nothing more than to eat those words but honestly it just doesn’t seem possible. I feel so much better when kopi is on the ice. But hey, I would love to be proved wrong. Let’s score some goals boys! And if anyone sees Penner please tell him there’s a game tonite!
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I’m sure your presence at the game tonight will inspire the Kings to beat the Ducks! Praying for a quick recovery for you Kopi!
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Was anyone listening to the Kings Talk last night after the game?
Second caller was “Robert the attorney”
He got on Nick’s last nerves. I have never heard Nick get so frustrated over a caller. He was a Philly fan – wanna be Kings fan…but he was very negative and annoying!!
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What's the frequency, Kenneth? Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Harry, I don’t listen much, but I do like how Nick calls out contrarians.
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Goring 19 Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@Harry, lol I heard that, never heard Nick get so flustered. The Philly attorney caller had 5 points to make and Nick said all he was doing was picking the Kings apart on every point. But I think the 1st caller set Nick off because Nick told him to call back when he’s not drunk. LMAO
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Kopi: “It’s a little unfortunate”
A little? A LITTLE?
He always understates things.
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Tuff break Kopi! Get well soon. If we lift the cup without you don’t be sad.
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Kopi..If you get on hereknow badly now badly
we all feel for you. Hoping for strong healing
for that leg and patience for you.
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Kopi, play Day of Defeat Source on the computer. It’s a blast (literally) and it’s great for getting out frustrations.
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Man, I wish the Kings had Schenn on the roster for the playoff run. Better than guys like Poni who can’t score more than 5 goals.
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kopi come play some wow with me!!
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Gary Livingston Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Nivik O, haha, I’d renew my subscription if we could be in a guild with kopi.
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