Kopitar talks about hit, `feeling good’

There was a collective sigh of relief around the Kings’ training facility today, as Anze Kopitar seemed no worse for wear after last night’s big hit from Dallas’ Brenden Morrow. The Kings didn’t skate this morning, but Kopitar was walking and talking just fine and met with assembled reporters.

KOPITAR: “Feeling good. Nothing special to say, really. It was just precautionary reasons last night. I’m sure you guys know, even better than I do, what it takes after you get hit like that, what you’ve got to do (with) the quiet room and stuff. But I’m feeling good this morning, and that’s about it.’’

Question: So, if there had been practice today, you would have been able to go?

KOPITAR: “That I don’t know, because I didn’t talk to Kinger [trainer Chris Kingsley] about it yet, but like I said, I feel good so I don’t see a reason why not. The bottom line is, I feel good, I don’t have any issues, and that’s good.’’

Question: Relieved, in that it could have been worse?

KOPITAR: “It could have been worse, for sure. Right now, it’s something I have to put behind me here and just play hockey again.’’

Question: Did you get to see a replay of the hit?

KOPITAR: “Yeah, I saw it, but quick. No breaking down if it was dirty or whatever. It was just a hockey hit. I kind of put myself in a tough position, and he came down and hit me. It is what it is.’’

Question: Were you glad to see Mike Richards step up for you, even if it cost the team a little bit with the penalties?

KOPITAR: “Yeah, it definitely cost us a little bit, getting the two centermen out of the game, especially with the impact Richie has on our team and especially in clutch situations. But it was definitely nice to see him jump in, and I’m sure if it was somebody else, somebody else would jump in. Obviously I’d do the same for every other guy.’’

Later, Darryl Sutter had a wry grin as he gave his diagnosis of Kopitar…

SUTTER: “He will live. He’s going to pull through. He was fine last night. … It was a good hit, hard hit. Nothing wrong with it.’’

Question: So, as far as you know, he will be able to play tomorrow?

SUTTER: “I’m assuming, if we had practiced today, he would have practiced. That’s kind of the way we look at it.’’