Resurgence of Anze Kopitar keeps Kings’ playoff hopes alive

LA Kings center Anze Kopitar is the engine that drives the Kings. His production this season has brought the Kings to believe that the playoffs are a real possibility, as long as they keep winning.

Anze Kopitar is everything you want in a number one center. He has elite skill, play making ability, and is considered a swift skater for his size. He plays in all situations – even strength, penalty kill, power play.

He also has the ability to score in bunches. His vision on the ice makes the Kings a more potently offensive team.

With Jeff Carter out for all but six games of the season, Kopitar has had to be that elite player the Kings can depend on. After a down year last year where Kopitar only posted 52 points (12 goals, 40 assists), he has already surpassed that season’s point total with 61 points through 57 games (23 goals, 38 assists).

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Its possible that his first season as Kings’ captain may have affected him, but this season has wiped out those worries. Kopitar has clearly returned to form. He consistently drives possession and play when he enters the offensive zone, and has such creativity with the puck that it is a headache to play against him.

As the team’s leading point producer, Kopitar’s return to normalcy has the Kings thinking the playoffs can happen. They are currently just one point out of the second wild card spot behind the Minnesota Wild, and two points behind the Anaheim Ducks for third in the Pacific.

He knows they will be fighting daily with other those teams and a few others (Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks) for the final playoff spots. Though, these Kings go as Kopitar goes. Flanked by longtime King Dustin Brown on the right wing and rookie Alex Iafallo on the left wing, Kopitar knows that he and his line must continue to produce big.

They must take a business-like approach to win as many games as they can down the stretch. Per Kings’ forward Michael Amadio, the win against Buffalo was a big two points. 

The playoffs usually don’t happen for your team when your best players are not your best players. Your best players get the most ice time. They get the opportunity to show they are the team’s best players. Therefore, their presence and performance, or lack there of, on the ice more than others can make or break your teams’ chances at success.

Kings’ coach John Stevens places a lot of faith in Anze Kopitar, and knows he is capable. He must know that Kopitar must be his best player for the Kings to stay alive in the playoff race.

Next: What Jeff Carter's Return Means For LA

Thus far, Kopitar has led by example through his play and that good play has permeated through his team. He has given his teammates hope that a return to the playoffs is in the cards this season. As long as Kopitar can continue to put points on the board for his team, those hopes will stay bright.