Kings fans who were awake early Sunday morning may have shuddered when reading a collection of ominous reports that surfaced late in the United States’ 5-1 win over Slovenia.
Anze Kopitar is not on Slovenia’s bench with under five minutes to play.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) February 16, 2014
Yes, aware that Anze Kopitar is not on Slovenia bench. Will ask about it as soon as game ends and will relay info soonest.
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) February 16, 2014
Fortunately for Slovenia and the Kings, the issue was minor. Kopitar had been dealing with a stomach bug since arriving in Sochi, hence his third period absence.
Slovenia head coach Matjaz Kopitar, Anze’s father, told Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times, “He just didn’t feel good, something with the stomach. He was without the power. Hopefully he’s going to be better.”
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessell netted a hat trick in the Americans’ 5-1 win.
Additional reports from Twitter:
Kopitar is going to clinic in the athlete’s village to get checked out. He had the stomach flu when he got here. Seems like he still has it.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) February 16, 2014
Slovenian head coach Matjaz Kopitar said his son, Anze, would go to local hospital for blood tests after falling ill during U.S. game.
— Scott Burnside (@ESPN_Burnside) February 16, 2014
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