What did Anze Kopitar do right after he suffered his devastating injury in March? Bet you can’t guess, although it’s a topic/location close to the hearts of many blog readers… My LAKings.com feature for this week takes a look at Kopitar and how he recovered from his broken leg and ankle-ligament injury to return. Thanks for reading…
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Just goes to show you, Double Double’s cure all
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Mask0425x Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:20 am
@luuc,
Should have gone to umami burger, would have been back in time for playoffs. And I don’t mean recovery time, just their crazy long lines!
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M.T. Netter Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 7:00 pm
@luuc, I bet he also had a neopolitan shake and fries well done. how awesome is it that our slovakian loves I-N-O? Kopi, you’re without a doubt a SoCal citizen
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It will be interesting to see how long it will take this guy to get into gamme shape. Remember, he had a very devastating injury and they sometimes are hard to come back from quickly.
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Kopi Bryant Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:27 am
@puck73, Very true, he was moving really well in camp and showed no effects of the injury but that doesn’t compare to playing in a game.
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jet Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:56 am
@puck73, but he is a few years younger than us
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Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:05 pm
@jet, More than a few for some of us.
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MyKay Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 4:25 pm
@Dominick, he’s older than some of us.. haha
@danglebagel, Good article! Pity double-doubles hahaha!
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Kopitar will hit the century mark this year! But what I really want know is was it a regular burger or did he go animal style??
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Notice, he didn’t go to Tommy’s!
Good read, Rich
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Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:07 pm
@J-Ro, That’s because he’s never had their tasty goodness before, or he would have come home a month earlier. lol
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Great article Rich.
This team is going to be scary good.
I absolutely love what Dean Lombardi has done here.
Welcome back Kopi!
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It great to have you back Kopi! I was at the game he went down & it was horrible to watch. So happy all has healed well. I am stoked as I just got my 10 game season seats tickets delivered! This is going to be one hell of a year!
GO KINGS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lake Forest Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@King Alex, I was there too. You could hear a pin drop when they stopped the game and helped him up.
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King Alex Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Lake Forest, How right you are Lake Forest. I felt sick and then I felt even worse once I heard how bad the injury was. Those Hockey Gods sure rained on our parade last season. I am trying everything I can to appease the Hockey Gods this season!
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TYLER Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:04 pm
@King Alex, i was there as well…an already silent crowd that day got even quieter when kopi went down…never wanna see it again!
The season opener is in 15 days across the pond in Europe and there’s still no DD. Doesn’t look good. If they had all summer to hammer this out and there’s still no deal, could they get this wrapped up in the next 2 weeks?
Scenario reminds me of being able to see your buddy who’s only 50 yards away but in between you there’s a 200 ft drop with no bridge.
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
@Hat trick, don’t shoot the messenger, and take this with a major grain of salt, because I don’t know, but rumor is he was at TSC today… After the tweets saying it was just ‘someone who looked like him’ from Helene, I figured it was nothing, but someone said they got a picture with him and his autograph… He might be lying, or she might be trying to keep things hush hush, but it might be something. Who knows, really? I think Drew knows he has only a few days left thought maybe things will pick up.
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Sean Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:09 pm
@Bluecoconuts,
Ive heard too many rumors etc… I can only hope that this is true…but until Rich says it….’It ain’t so’
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Bluecoconuts Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:21 pm
@Sean, that’s the way I see it. I don’t think Drew wants to miss the regular season, so he’d have to be signed before Frozen Fury, since the team goes to Europe right after.
At this point I’m happy with what we got, I think the rookies will step up, JJ looked good last night, Voynov looked good. We’ll be fine.
Hat trick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
@Bluecoconuts, That would be Really cool to know that he’s here for real. Hopefully something soon!
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BringBackKingston Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:49 pm
@Bluecoconuts,can he be in two places at once?
http://www.lfpress.com/sports/hockey/2011/09/21/18720841.html
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vplaza Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:53 pm
@Hat trick,
The phrase “something’s got to give” pretty much applies here. Either DD gives in and signs for more than four years or the Kings give in and sign him to fewer than six years. Either way, someone’s not going to be getting what they wanted.
I just hope the Kings don’t jeopardize their future by having both Kopi and DD become UFAs at the same time.
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Hat trick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:03 pm
@vplaza, I agree and at this point, if I were GM, I think I’d be willing to roll the dice with the 5 year plan just because I believe, with a very good probability, that we will win the cup within that timeframe.
I can’t even believe that I’m saying that since it’s been so damn long since we’ve actually had a legit team for the cup.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@Hat trick, I would not gamble and go 5 years! There is no way I would have both of my best and highest paid players become UFA’s in the same year. Recipe for diasater IMO. Having them come up in different years gives us a better chance of retaining at least one if not both. Im no GM but that seems like a slippery slope i would not be willing to walk on.
vplaza Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@Hat trick,
5 years is a long time from now, so a lot can happen. But, if the Kings have a legitimate chance to win the Cup within that time frame, then it may be worth the gamble. But it is still a roll of the dice that somehow, someway, you’ll be able to keep both of them and surround them with good players so that they can contend beyond that.
Bill M. Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
@Hat trick, There was a good article on that. The assertion is that Drew is really looking for the flexibility to achieve his other goals as a player, mainly, I would assume, to win a Stanley Cup or two. The key point being that just because he wants shorter term, doesn’t necessarily mean that he is already intending to bail ASAP.
If we give him a shorter deal, he may not choose to leave, or even give us a hometown discount, if he believes at that point that he can stay in LA and still accomplish his other goals as a player.
The trick then being that Lombardi will have to sign him to the shorter deal, effectively gambling that DL will be able to keep this team a contender, or even make it a proven winner, before Drew comes up for UFA.
King Alex Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 pm
@vplaza, We should offer DD a 4-year deal. He would come up for FA status 1-year prior to Kopi. 4 years at 6 mil per year should get it done imo. Then we can all look forward to going through all of this again in 2015 with DD & 2016 with Kopi. Hopefully we will have at least 1 cup win by then!
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damm, tha’s funny, right after seeing how he left the ice I went and got a few double-doubles
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In and Out…Breakfast of Champions!
Kopi’s dedication and commitment are admirable. Hockey Gods willing, Kings stay healthy.
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GO KOPI!
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2 FREE TICKETS FOR SUNDAY SEPT 25 VS THE LOS ANGELES QUAKS OF ANAHEIM !!
We got upgraded for free to a better section thank to a ticket voucher, courtesy of the Dodgers. They took my bitching seriously (for a change) when I didn’t get my hat during LA Kings night at Dodger Stadium.
So instead of selling them to strangers that may end up rooting for the hated quacks, I rather let some loyal LAK fan bring his hottie wife or gf to Staples and enjoy the game.
I’m just trying to build good karma for the team. Seats are in Section 219, LAK shoot twice.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:28 pm
@Gustavo, ill take them!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:29 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, MY GF is a hottie for sure. Ill allow you a good look
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tornado12 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, just based on your handle the tix should go to you
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@tornado12, Thanks buddy! Im not sure I like having to take charity if you will and would rather have the $ to actually buy the tickets but it is what it is I guess. Even if i dont get them I really appreciate the the good nature and willingness to give by alot of bloggers on this site. We have a good community of people here and it really shows. Just goes without saying that LAK fans are some of the best around…. Knowledgable, passoinate, and just down right good people!
Gustavo Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:41 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
I agree with Tornado12, lol. You got them!! Meet me at the Gretzky’s statue at 6:00 PM. I’m 6’4″, my fiance is 6’1″. You can’t miss us, we’ll be wearing black Kings blank sweaters.
And don’t be praising us all that much, lol. We’re not anywhere near this generous with our regular season tickets. See you Sunday, buddy.
GKG!!
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
@Gustavo, Awesome… Thank you very much! Im 6’2 myself and will be wearing a Kopi Home plate jersey. Looking forward to it, see you at the great one.
39scars Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
@Gustavo, Am I the only poster under 6 foot
CB14 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@39scars, Yes. I’m 6-3 myself.
TYLER Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:07 pm
@39scars no way dude! im 5’9″ haha
dot972005 Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:49 pm
@Gustavo, hey i got those same vouchers for last nights game. i guess they split them all up since they had to give so many out. we only could redeem them for last nights game. But hell yeah, i got to sit in section 119 row 13 from the glass. awesome seats. Cant stand the dodgers but went that night and was pissed off. so hey dodgers fan club, way to step up and correct your mistake. that’s what customer service is all about, but still hate the dodgers. lol!!!
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Gustavo Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
@dot972005,
The voucher were originally for last night’s game. But I asked my Kings rep if I could upgrade the voucher to regular season tickets. he said “No”, then I asked if I could have Frozen Fury tickets with a comp room with jacuzzi tub…:) Again he said “No”. But this time he offered tickets for the preseason Ducks game Sunday Sept 25. So all in all, it worked out pretty well.
Come to think of it, I should negotiate DD’s contract, not that DBag agent, lol
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Kopitar is and has been my favorite player since he came into the league and i was devastated to say the least when he got hurt. Im pumped that he has recovered and cant wait to see the guy have a career best year due to teams not being able to just focus on him as the guy to shut down since the offseason acquisitions will draw some attention.
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Kopi Bryant Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:16 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Thats exactly how I feel about Kopi. I hope he has a career year and doesn’t have any lingering effects from that injury.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:17 pm
@Kopi Bryant, agreed on the lingering affects
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as soon as that injury happened, I knew our season was going to end short a cup..He’s that valuable a guy and it showed in every way imaginable.
Welcome back Kopi..
can’t wait to see you lifting the cup this season.
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That night was a devastating night.. to see Kopi fall like that and not get up. Jim Fox’s voice, man. it was a nightmare.
Well, Kopi is back. Long health and many goals to him and the rest of our guys.
Who is Drew Doughty again?
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AZ King Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
@Mikey,
He’s a future Norris trophy winner, and a important part of this teams future success. No way is he as important as Kopi though
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Mikey Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@AZ King,
oh i know his potential. it just felt good to not compulsively think about him. Its like the new girl that helps you get over your ex. now back to doughty/her.
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AZ King Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 4:35 pm
@Mikey,
LOL, got it
Rich,
There was a mention by Murray about 7-10 players that would be cut this morning, are these the players cut last night or are there others?
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I’d say that settles the Tommy’s vs In & Out debate. Kopi is a Double Double fan, that’s good enough for me.
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Bill M. Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:35 pm
@AZ King, Not necessarily. Maybe he hates double doubles. Maybe it was for motivation? “I’m going to punish myself with double doubles until my body evolves quick-healing and I can get back on the ice!”
then again, evolving quick-healing would be a pretty sterling recommendation for eating double doubles, even if you didn’t like the taste.
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puddle Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:50 pm
@Bill M., LOL! I think whenever I screw up and my wife is mad, I’ll tell her I’ll go punish myself and my body by eating a double-double!
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AZ King Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@puddle,
LMAO…I’m sure I’ve done something wrong in the last 24 hours, I better go serve my punishment now. While I’m at it I might as well get a head start on any future punishments as well.
I think Kopi is gonna be a Major beast this year. From that one interview with him saying that leaving the first round again was bitter and then the whole watching from the sidelines thing. The guy jumped back into the gym to work on upper body stuff pretty much right away. Driven!
He reminds me of that guy from the movie Training Day when he learns Denzel was out to kill him and he walks back to go have a word with him. Kopitar the Mack truck with No Brakes. Fuggettaboutit!
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Bill M. Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 1:32 pm
@Hat trick, I got that impression too. He’s now rapidly approaching his prime years, so another big breakout is a reasonable expectation. Add a new found sense of motivation, A whole year with quality wingers (assuming Penner can keep up), and a second line with enough punch to divert some defensive attention away from Kopi, and you have a recipe for a very big season. Kopitar the Unstoppable Force? Kopitar the 100 point man? Kopitar the Hart Candidate? Yes Please!
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Rich,
Did you have a chance to ask about any limitations? There was an article released during the summer on Kopitar, and he said he could do everything except jumping excersizes and that it will just take some time before he heals completely. He hinted at a full year for everything to return to normal. Is he able to do those excercises now?
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AZ King Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@Dominick,
If I remember correctly the 1 year part was mainly about the swelling going away.
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Dominick Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@AZ King, Do you know if that is effecting him being able to do those exercises now? At that time he still couldn’t do them, but he could do everything else.
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Ok by a show of hands, who thinks we should let the other team shoot first in shootouts?
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TYLER Reply:
September 22nd, 2011 at 11:10 pm
@Cortex949, *all hands raised*
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@Cortex949, Absolutely.
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DL has this whole negotiating thing wrong….quick, somebody buy Doughnuts a box of Double-Doubles!!!
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We all know my frequent badgering of Rich and the hamburger topic. Add to that the fact I am a HUGE proponent on In N Out and my son is Kopitar’s biggest (and one of his youngest) fan.
It all adds up now. This guy is not only destined to lift the Cup in LA, he’ll lead the charge!
Awesome article Rich. Thank you!
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