Kopitar for Lady Byng?

Later this week, we’ll take a more in-depth look at Jonathan Quick’s chances of winning the Vezina Trophy, or at least being nominated. Is there a chance that another Kings player could be nominated for a trophy? Yesterday at the rink, Jim Fox floated the idea, to Anze Kopitar, that Kopitar might be nominated for the Lady Byng Trophy, which is awarded to the “player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” Kopitar is 17th in the league in points (72) and has 18 penalty minutes. Among the 20 player who have at least 70 points this season, five — Jordan Eberle (8), Loui Eriksson (10), Jason Pominville (12), Patrik Elias (16) and Martin St. Louis (16) — have fewer penalty minutes than Kopitar. Of course, the award isn’t just about a point-to-penalty-minute ratio. Kopitar was asked for his thoughts on a possible Lady Byng candidacy.

KOPITAR: “I guess it’s a good start. Start with that one, and go from there. [laughs] I’m not overly physical, but not necessarily the softest guy either. I’ve got some goalie-interference penalties here this year that have been hurting my Lady Byng chances. I don’t think about that. I don’t think anybody does. If a penalty is called, it’s called, but for the most part you just try to stay in a good position on the ice, so you don’t have to grab or hook or hold or trip or whatever. … The bottom line is, that’s my game and it’s probably not going to change.’’