In an impressive display during his final NHL season, Anze Kopitar has etched his name in history by setting a new points record for the Los Angeles Kings. He scored two goals in a thrilling match against the New Jersey Devils, bringing his career total to 1,308 points, surpassing the previous record of 1,307 held by Marcel Dionne.
Kopitar’s Record-Breaking Performance
The record-setting moment occurred on a power play in the third period. Kopitar’s second goal of the night came from a snap shot in the right face-off circle, tying the game at 4-4 with just under seven minutes remaining. This achievement highlights his remarkable scoring ability, consisting of 450 goals and 858 assists over 1,505 games played for the Kings.
Game Highlights
- Kopitar’s Goals: Scored a power-play goal to tie the game at 4-4.
- Jack Hughes: Scored a power-play goal for the Devils at 17:31, regaining a 5-4 lead.
- Timo Meier: Added an empty-net goal late in the game, finalizing the score at 6-4.
- Nico Hischier: Notable performance with two goals and two assists.
- Arseny Gritsyuk: Contributed with one goal and one assist for the Devils.
Team Performances
The Devils now sit at a record of 33-31-2 after this match, maintaining a 4-2-0 record through their seven-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Kings are positioned with a 27-24-15 record, showing resilience with a 2-1-1 record during their five-game road trip.
Goal Scorers Recap
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anze Kopitar | Kings | 2 | 0 |
| Nico Hischier | Devils | 2 | 2 |
| Timo Meier | Devils | 1 | 0 |
| Artemi Panarin | Kings | 1 | 2 |
| Arseny Gritsyuk | Devils | 1 | 1 |
Kopitar’s success is further amplified by his quick integration of Artemi Panarin, who has accumulated 11 points in his first ten games with the Kings after joining from the New York Rangers on February 4.
This match not only showcased the intensity of the competition but also underlined the enduring legacy of Anze Kopitar within the Los Angeles Kings franchise.
