Los Angeles Kings forwards Anze Kopitar shared the following comments in advance of tonight’s outdoor game vs. the San Jose Sharks at Levi’s Stadium…
On if he experienced any problems with the lights during Friday night’s practice:
Kopitar – “I didn’t have any problems. I didn’t really notice it until you just said it.”
On if the time of day makes a difference:
Kopitar – “I don’t think it really matters what time it comes. It’s just a matter of going out and playing hard. We realize that it’s going to be a little bit different, things are going to have to be simplified a little bit. Just throwing pucks on net and not trying to make too much, because more often than not, the puck is going to bounce. So you have to adjust accordingly, and that’s about it.”
On differences with the game at Dodger Stadium:
Kopitar – “The climate is a little bit different than Dodger Stadium. The ice, I felt like it’s a little bit different. Knowing what’s going to go on all day, yeah, it’s different. But once it comes down on the ice, I don’t think, looking back it’s not going to be different than last year or any other game this year. It’s going out and trying to win.”
On the rivalry with the Sharks:
Kopitar – “I think, first off all, to develop this kind of rivalry, you have to play each other in the playoffs a few times, which we did. We had some pretty good battles, so that obviously added fuel to the fire. It just seems like every time we meet each other, play each other, it’s pretty physical. A pretty intense and emotional game and I’m sure it’s not going to be any different tomorrow.”
On the off-ice friendship between Drew Doughty and Logan Couture:
Kopitar – “I guess that’s the way that hockey players work. Buddies off the ice but once the puck drops, it’s every man for himself. It’s no different than any other team I guess, in that regard.”
On if the eye black he had on during practice really helps:
Kopitar – “No, it just looks cool. I think.”
On the whole outdoor experience:
Andreoff – “I think it’s pretty cool. I’ve never done it before. It’s a cool experience, getting out there. It’s a little hot, but I guess that’s what you have to play through.”
On possibly lobbying coach Darryl Sutter to get into the lineup for the outdoor game:
Andreoff – “No. I don’t know, I’ve just been practicing hard. Just have to work my way in the lineup and once I get that chance, I have to take advantage of the opportunity. Just have to wait it out.”
On leaning on veteran teammates to help him through the frustration of not playing:
Andreoff – “Yeah, absolutely. The older guys have been through it, so they just kind of helped me out with that. Telling me their experience when they were first year and the younger guys (VERIFY), so they definitely have been helping me out… Greener has been helping me out a lot. He takes care of me and [Brayden McNabb] when we’re having a tough time out there. He’s been good with us.”
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