Kopitar now a two-time All-Star

As earlier noted, Anze Kopitar is now a two-time NHL All-Star. Kopitar was announced as one of the 42 players — 24 forwards, 12 defensemen, six goalies — who will participate in the Jan. 30 game in Raleigh, N.C. Kopitar previously played in the 2008 All-Star Game in Atlanta. Kopitar, the Kings’ leading scorer this season, ranks in the top 10 in the NHL in points and assists and was the Kings’ lone selection for the game.

KOPITAR: “It’s definitely an honor, being selected to that group of players that is going to be there. You don’t really have to explain it. You just have to look at the guys who are on the roster. It’s a big honor for me, and I’m going to have some fun there.”

The All-Star experience goes by quickly. The Kings play on Jan. 26, a Wednesday, and then Kopitar will fly to North Carolina for the weekend festivities before preparing to resume his season with the Kings when they play on Feb. 1, a Tuesday.

KOPITAR: “It goes quick. This time around, I think I’m going to enjoy it a little more than I did the first time. Obviously I enjoyed it the first time too, but I really want to soak it in as much as I can, because you never know when it’s going to happen again. You just want to make the most of it.”

Kopitar also got the strong endorsement of Kings coach Terry Murray…

MURRAY: “Kopi making the All-Star team, I think that’s well-earned. He’s had a great start to the year. In particular, in the last 20 games he has really come alive, but up big numbers. He’s the kind of player that we, as a franchise, identify with. We’re hitching our wagons, as they say, to him, and he’s not shy to shoulder the responsibility and take on the workload every day in practice, every day in the game. I’m real happy for him. It’s recognition well earned.”