10. Anze Kopitar collects 1,000th career point
The consummate professional who rarely speaks about himself, Anze Kopitar flashed a grin after assisting on Sean Walker’s empty-netter, fully aware of what he just accomplished. The Kings defeated the Coyotes by a 4-2 final score. Walker, after the game, stated that he didn’t even care that he scored. Instead, he was so happy for the LA Kings captain.
Heading into that game, I don’t think I am alone saying this, but it felt like every time Kopitar touched the puck or passed the puck off, I counted if a primary or secondary assist would be in play if someone had scored.
The Kings and Coyotes traded goals in the first period, entering the first intermission deadlocked at two goals apiece. No goals were scored in the middle frame, and with 37 seconds left in the game, Kopitar became the fourth player in LA Kings’ history to reach 1,000 career points.
Honorable Mention: Rasmus Kupari’s first goal
With Byfield reaching his max allowable six games, he swapped spots with the Finnish forward activated for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old played in three games earlier in the season, but he looked like a different player. In the second game against the Avalanche, Lias Andersson fed Kupari in the slot, with the latter firing a wrist shot home for his first career NHL goal. After the game, Kupari gave all the credit to Andersson for finding him on the play.
Did we forget any moments? Let us know in the comments section, and thank you for following along with us this season!