The Los Angeles Kings struggled to get much of anything going on offense through the first two periods against the Buffalo Sabres. They would have only 11 shots and be down 1-0 entering the third period.
However, Anze Kopitar was able to quickly change that as he would even the scoring with a beautiful shot in the first 13 seconds of the third period.
If you had Kopi scoring our first goal of the year, congrats 👏 pic.twitter.com/lVQlaZLZq2
— LA Kings (@LAKings) October 11, 2024
This would be the first goal the Los Angeles Kings have had in Buffalo in three games and were outscored 13-0 in those previous two games.
Anze Kopitar continues to come up big for the Los Angeles Kings time and again
There is a reason that Kopitar has been the Kings' captain as long as he has been, since the 2016-17 season, because he continues to make plays like these over and over again. He is a player that sets the tone for this team and when they need a shift in momentum, he usually can deliver.
This is also the first time Kopitar scored in the opening game of the season since the 2021-22 season when he had three goals and two assists against the Vegas Golden Knights
It is also important to note the play of Alex Laferriere who's hustle on the forecheck made Kopitar's goal possible. Laferriere is in a big spot for the Kings this year as he is the left wing on the line with Kopitar and Adrian Kempe.
If he can do these little things to compliment Kopitar and Kempe, the offense can get some things going.