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Kopitar Chats about the World Championship, His Future and the Kings |
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I want to thank letsgokings.com contributor, Bureklord, who located and translated the below chat. With his permission and blessing, I thought everyone would enjoy some candid and pointed questions directed to the Kings’ builder player, Kopitar.
Because you have such a good all-round game I'm interested if you think there are parts of the game that you can improve on to become the dominant player in the NHL like Ovečhkin or Crosby (defense, PK, battles on the boards, hitting, forechecking, maybe more shot decisions, because we're all certain, that you would score more goals this way)?
I'm constantly working on all elements of my game, maybe sometimes I should take the shot, but the game is so fast that you have to decide in tenths of a second and it's hard to be smart about a decision you've already made.
Which players would you most like to play with in this year's NHL roster (excluding the Kings' players)?
I would most like to play with Henrik Zetterberg and Jarome Iginla.
I'm wondering which club in the NHL you'd choose for your next stop or would you come back to play on one of the Slovenian teams at the end of your career?
For now I'm still under contract with the LA Kings for another year. There's still a lot of time for an extension or a trade and I'm not thinking about that at this time. Otherwise I'd like to play another 15 years in the NHL. If I still want to play hockey after that, I'll think about coming home.
I'm wondering if during a game you had the inclination to fight an opponent. Do you have an enforcer on your team to protect you?
I'm on the ice to score goals, I don't think about fights. Otherwise, we do have a fighter on the Kings and you'll most likely be able to see him in the world championship. He'll play for Latvia.
What do you think is the difference between Slovenia and Latvia? What are the realistic chances of beating Latvia in the world championship?
Our team is more experienced compared to previous years. We respect Latvia, because we know they're a good team, but the team who plays better hockey for 60 minutes will be the winner.
How life is in the U.S.? Did you adjust quickly? Do the Americans crowd you on the streets?
Life in America suits me and I've adjusted quickly. This year was even better because my family was with me. I also had a lot of visits. The Americans don't crowd me much.
In the playoffs I'm rooting for Detroit, because your team didn't make it. What is your opinion on the reason Detroit, always gets outplayed in the play-offs (with the exception of the year they won the Stanley Cup)? Also, how is your brother Gašper doing, who also plays in Los Angeles
I don't know the reason why Detroit lost those games. Gašper is improving a lot and is very successful.
Do you think that your NHL play gets sufficiently recognized in Slovenia?
I think so. The responses are in my opinion good. I hope that I can make them even happier next year with even better play.
Do you see yourself as a player that could score 40+ goals and 100+ points?
It's quite tough to achieve that, but I hope I'll be able to surpass that barrier.
Do you see or hear from Jan Muršak? Supposedly, Detroit sees him as a top six player.
I don't know Jan, but I know he's a very good player. If a team like Detroit says good things about him, he has a good future.
I'm wondering how much longer you will play for the Kings? Is there interest among other NHL clubs for you?
I'll certainly stay with the Kings another year per my contract. Then, we'll see how things will go from there. I hope for an extension with the Kings, because I like playing for LA.
Do you have a girlfriend?
Yes, I've had one for three years.
Does Slovenia have any chance to beat or at least get a point against Canada and USA? Is there a chance for another Slovenian player to play in the NHL?
Both those games will be very tough. We know that we don't have anything to lose. We'll go into the game with a lot of heart. In the junior category there are a lot of good players. I hope that one of them will make it to the NHL.
What are you predictions for the Slovenian national team in the World Championships?
I hope that we'll win as many games as we can in the first round. Against Latvia, we'll play for the win.
Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup this year? Do you want the Ducks knocked out of the first round of the play-offs?
All the teams are basically equal. It's pretty hard to predict the winner. I hope that the winner is from the Western Conference.
Will you play inline this year and if so, for which team?
I won't be playing inline this year.
How do you communicate with your friends when you are abroad? Do you have time to keep in touch?
I mostly keep in touch by phone and instant messenger as time permits.
In the first two opening games in London, I thought that you played more physical. Over the season, your physical play declined. Do you wish to develop this part of your game too like Ovechkin?
I'm still developing my physical game.
When I'm watching you play, you remind me a lot of Jagr in his early days. I'm also wondering if you'll go to Detroit next year.
Jagr is a very good player. As for next year, I'm still under contract with the Kings.
Would you ever ‘erase’ hockey from your life?
I very much enjoy hockey and everything that comes from it, so I wouldn't "erase" anything.
What is your opinion on the up and coming Slovenian hockey players?
There are many good young Slovenian hockey players. I hope one of them will play in the NHL.
Do you know Sašha Vujačič of the LA Lakers Do you go to any NBA games?
I often meet with Sašha and have a drink. I also attend games here and there as my schedule permits.
Do you see your brother Gašper making it to the NHL? What position does he play?
I hope Gašper makes it. He plays both center and right wing.
Given that you had your All Star appearance, what impressed you the most there?
What struck me the most was how everyone was really kind to me, even the biggest stars.
Simple question, Ovechkin or Crosby?
Ovechkin.
What was your impression when you came to Los Angeles, where you were one of many, compared to Slovenia where you are the center of attention? Do your teammates tease you?
It's nice to be back home. I more or less stay within my circle of my friends. The guys in the locker room do tease me here and there. Otherwise, they are great.
I noticed that the (Slovenian) national team often times decreases their level of play in the 3rd period. Is that due to lack of conditioning?
We're very well conditioned and I think that that won't happen.
Do you have time to go out and relax during the season?
The season is very long and tough. There is no time for nights out; but I enjoy my closest acquaintances as my schedule allows.
I watched the (pre-World Championship) match against Italy and I got the feeling that your teammates couldn't keep up with you, will there be any improvement from your teammates?
We weren't very tuned in this game, but by the World Championships, everything will be in order. We'll play a better team game.
What is your everyday life like?
My everyday life starts with a morning practice, then continues with lunch, rest and practice in the afternoon.
Was it hard to adapt to the bigger rink for the game against Italy or are you more comfortable with the smaller NHL size rink?
I didn't have any difficulties, but I prefer the smaller rink.
Where do you see opportunity to improve on your game. Maybe on the physical aspect?
Improvements are possible on all aspects of my game, but perhaps the most would be the physical part.
Is there any art in hockey or is hockey a part of art? What is your favorite music group?
Hockey can be art and art can be hockey. Otherwise I listen to Siddharta [most famous Slovenian rock band].
Your 1st NHL goal against the Ducks is the one I remember best. What is your favorite goal from this year?
The most memorable goal of mine would be the goal I scored at Madison Square Garden.
Which goalie is the hardest to score against?
Jonas Hiller from Anaheim.
While this isn’t your role yet, what do you do when a teammate isn’t playing to his fullest? Dustin Brown talked about this a few days ago. I don't expect any names, but are these players from the young core or the veterans on the team?
These are probably the players who aren't motivated.
I noticed that you salute Derek Armstrong after every game. Is this some kind of superstition? Is he your best friend on the Kings?
I spend a lot of time with Derek. We drive to the games together. We do the salute whenever we win. Thank you for all your questions and don't forget to cheer for Slovenia at the World Cup!
Thanks again Bureklord and everyone cheer on Team USA …. Sorry Anze!!
Carla Muller
[email protected]
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