Kopitar was speaking Tuesday at the Kings practice facility, a day before they were to hit the ice for the start of training camp. Even a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2012, 2014) and
can go through a crisis of confidence; last season, he didn't score his fourth goal until Jan. 9 and never really ignited for a sustained stretch.
"I've got to be better," said Kopitar, who
signed an eight-year, $80 million contract
, with an average annual value of $10 million, to remain with Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 2016. "I've got to look at myself first, because I want to play better and I've got the confidence that I can get back on the level that I expect myself to be and everybody around me expects me to be on."
Last season, his first season as Kings captain, Kopitar had
, his fewest points in a full season since entering the NHL in 2006-07. It was the first time in 10 seasons he did not lead the Kings in scoring, giving way to center Jeff Carter, who had 66 points (32 goals, 34 assists) in 82 games.
However, there a noticeable air of optimism around the Kings headquarters after an offseason of change. Longtime general manager
Dean Lombardi and coach Darryl Sutter were fired
in April after Los Angeles went 39-35-8 and were replaced by Rob Blake as GM and John Stevens as coach. Kings defenseman Drew Doughty has noticed a visibly upbeat atmosphere around his teammates and staff.
"I've never seen so much excitement around the rink," Doughty said. "Everyone is walking around smiling. I know it's early and it's camp. The real work hasn't begun yet, but it's just a new feeling around the team and it feels good."