Kopitar applauded by teammates, fans, even referees after final NHL game

Kings captain calls it career, recognized after 20 brilliant seasons

COL@LAK, Gm 4: Kopitar receives ovation, stick taps in Los Angeles after final game

By Dan O'Leary
@DanOLeary25 NHL.com Staff Writer

Anze Kopitar has been a King his entire NHL life, so on what is expected to be his final NHL game, he received a sendoff fit for one.

In addition to the traditional post-series handshake line after the Colorado Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference First Round, teammates stayed out on the ice, tapping their sticks in recognition of their captain's final game.

Fans in attendance at Crypto.com Arena roared for Kopitar, who retires as the Kings franchise leader in games played (1,521), assists (864) and points (1,316) while ranking third in team history in goals (452, behind only Luc Robitaille and Marcel Dionne).

Even officials from the game stayed out and applauded Koptar's 20 magnificent seasons, all with the Kings.

His highly-decorated career includes two Stanley Cup titles (2012, 2014) and two Selke trophies for the League's top defensive forward. He was named winner of the Lady Byng for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times (2016, 2023, 2025) and brought home the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2022.

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