With a team game we can come far

Anze Kopitar will cross the sticks with Los Angeles for the fourth time in a row in the first round of the NHL League playoffs with the Edmonton team, old acquaintances who got all three previous mutual showdowns at this stage of the competition. But the captain of the King’s in his jubilee, tenth end It gives optimistic and confident, on the wings of a great end to the regular part of the season. In conversation for Hockeyacademy revealed the views of the past season and expectations from decisive fights for the Stanley Cup.

The primary goal of the season – the ending of the playoffs – has been completed with second place in the Pacific Division. « The story is written again from here, » Kopitar points out, but still looks at the successful regular part. Exceptional performances on home ice stand out. « We were very good at home throughout the season, » he is for Hockeyacademy said Kopitar. “The proceeds of victories compared to defeats was also much better than in previous years. I don’t know if I can only point out one reason. We played very well and fulfilled the goal. ”The advantage of the home playground in the first round can be very important.

The kings caught the right form in the second part of the season, which the captain is especially pleased. “In January, we didn’t play well, the victory did not accumulate as we would like. After the tournament of the four nations, we caught form, and by the end of the season we had a nicely poured all together, « explains Hrušičan. This rise of form also coincides with the arrival of the Russian striker Andrei Kuzmenkowith which they are with Quenton Byfieldom quickly found real chemistry. “We caught up very well very quickly. This is a very good sign for us three and also for the whole team. The statistics were also good for all three. We will try to continue in the playoffs as well. « 

Team power and outstanding goalkeeper

When asked about the greatest advantage of kings over Kopitar rivals, he highlights team play and depth. “In the previous years, we have not had one that was at the top (shooters). This means that we play the right team game and that each player from first to the last is very important to our team. ”He emphasizes the quality of four attacks, which is supposed to help the team even more than in the past. The fact that the highest ranked shooter of the kings Adrian Kempe It is only in the 38th place of the league that he sees as evidence of balance.

A huge self -esteem of the team also gives the goalkeeper Darcy Kuemperwhich was statistically among the best in the league. “It gives confidence. The goalkeepers are very important in the playoffs, we all know that. Darcy has been in top form this year throughout the season. Both goalkeepers were excellent, this is another positive that we will take from the season and move on, « said Kopitar.

Fourth with oils

Despite the optimism, Kopitar does not run away from the fact that an extremely difficult opponent awaits them. The face of Edmonton will be in the first round for the fourth consecutive round, and all three previous series was given to oil. Many mention frustration, but the captain remains focused. “The fact is that four games need to be won. It is not too important where, we have to collect four and hopefully go to the next round. ”He sees the advantage of the home playground, which the kings have for the first time in these duels, sees as » one advantage « but not decisive.

The allegations of the alleged dirty game of Edmonton, who reappeared after the last game of regular work, replies calmly: “Our mindset is that we have to win four games. What will happen before, during and after the match will not even be too much difference. We have to play. The game is a game when the match is, there is a match, then it is necessary to play the best of your ability. « 

He also observes improvements when playing with a player more, where the Kings have shown progress in recent times, sometimes with five ice attackers. “But I think it will be most important when we score goals. Even if the player does not run with the player, it is important to score at a crucial moment. « 

Personal milestones and looking forward

Kopitar has also broken some personal milestones this season, but emphasizes that he is not thinking about it. “It will be a time after a career for all this. At the moment, there is a single thought – to go to the series with Edmonton optimistically and come from the first round, which we have not succeeded in the last three years.  » Alexandro Oveckin For incredible achievement – demolition of the record Wayna Gretzky by number of hits. “I didn’t even think that would ever happen. But Alex has been in premium shooting form for 20 years … a top, top achievement. « 

Kopitar has also broken some personal milestones this season, but emphasizes that he is not thinking about it. Photo: Jayne Kamin-just/Reuters

Before the start of the « fifth season », as they call the playoffs, despite all the experiences, they still feel excitement. “There will probably be a little fright before the first game, which is correct.” He believes that each team in the playoffs has the chances of final success. “We are one of these teams. A new story is written and I hope that it will turn out best as it can. ”The king’s fans hope that this means the first score of the playoffs after 2014 and maybe even a hike to the third Stanley Cup.