Doughty talks Game 1, London, Ontario

On whether Los Angeles is the better team in the series:
I don’t know that. Obviously in here we believe we have the better team, but that’s just the confidence talking. But at the same time, we know how good that team is over there. They’ve got great goaltending, like everyone knows. They have very good defense, which I think helps out Lundqvist a ton. And their forwards are fast so they’re going to be a tough challenge for us. But it’s two pretty evenly matched up teams. It just comes down to who wants it more and who is going to win those little battles every time they’re on the ice.

On Anze Kopitar’s journey to becoming a prominent player in the NHL:
Kopi, it’s a great story, came from a country where I don’t think there are any NHL players. For him to be the first guy to be that, that’s pretty cool. Not only is he just a player in this league, he’s a dominant player. He helps us win games every night. He’s one of the few players who if they’re not on top of their games, we’re not going to win games. He’s one of those guys we look upon. In order to win this cup again, Kopi needs to be playing his best too.

On his hometown of London, Ontario:
London is a very hockey proud city. They have their London Knights, their junior team, that everyone is very proud of. They’ve always been a successful team. They breed a lot of hockey players as well. Me and Jeff [Carter] are obviously an example of that. Last time we brought the cup back home they showed a ton of support, all the people from there. They’re very proud of us and I love being from London. I talk very highly of London. It’s a great spot. It’s not too small, it’s not too big and it will always be my home. I’m very proud to be from there.

On whether London shows interest in the Kings when they are this far in the playoffs:
It does, definitely. Even when I would go and play the London Knights in London I’d get booed every game, but they’re still proud of me. They show their support in many ways. If I’m just out and about, people come up to me and approach me and just tell me congratulations on whatever it is I’m doing and that they always have my back. It’s a great thing to know that your town always has your back and that they’re always supporting you.

On the kind of boost Robyn Regehr would bring when he returns:
I think our D-core has been pretty good. We’ve got six guys who can play good minutes, play in all situations and six guys that have done a great job so far throughout these playoffs, especially last round. Obviously having Reg back there is a veteran presence, a guy who knows how to get it done. I don’t think it matters who is in the lineup, our defense are going to get the job done.