This playoff stretch more fun for Kopitar

Anze Kopitar enjoys this view of the Kings’ playoff race a lot better than last year’s view. Forced out of the lineup because of a devastating ankle injury, Kopitar missed the final seven regular-season games and the six-game first-round playoff series against San Jose. The Kings, overall, went 5-8-0 without Kopitar. This season, Kopitar has played all 80 games and leads the Kings in goals (25) and assists (48). It’s fair to say that Kopitar is enjoying this April far more than last April, when he was hobbling around on crutches…

KOPITAR: “Obviously that’s what everybody is looking for is the playoffs, and playing in the playoffs and just playing in general. Nobody wants to be hurt. You want to be with the guys and pretty much be in the battle with them the whole time. Being sidelined last year, it’s definitely a good feeling right now that I am able to help and that we’re in this together, instead of just watching and hoping and being the No. 1 fan at home.’’

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