Hockey

Anze Kopitar’s Emotional Farewell: A Legendary Career with the Kings Ends in Playoff Defeat

by
James Thornton
April 27, 2026

Anze Kopitar took to the ice one last time as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, circling center ice with his arm raised in gratitude. The crowd erupted in applause, a fitting tribute to a player who has become synonymous with the franchise. His teammates pounded their sticks on the ice, escorting him to the bench and up the tunnel, marking the end of a two-decade career filled with remarkable achievements and cherished memories.

The Kings captain’s journey concluded on a somber note, as the team faced a first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche. Yet, amid the disappointment, Kopitar soaked in the love and well-wishes from fans and teammates who have accompanied him throughout this extraordinary ride. “It was hard to keep it together, really,” he reflected. “Being here for 20 years, more than half of my lifetime, it’s extremely special. I really appreciate the fans.”

Arriving in Los Angeles as a young Slovenian teenager, Kopitar quickly established himself as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played and points. He grew from a promising rookie into a revered captain and devoted family man, celebrating two Stanley Cup victories along the way. As he faced retirement, he smiled through his tears, ready to embrace the next chapter of his life.

“It’s very bittersweet, for sure,” he admitted, with his children by his side. “There’s going to be some tears, yes, but that’s the way life goes, right? It’s a circle. It’s been one hell of a ride for 20 years. The good, the bad and the ugly. Not the way we wanted to go out, but it happened, and we’ve got to live with it.”

Kopitar’s final game with the Kings ended in a 5-1 loss to a formidable Avalanche team that has been a dominant force this season. While he experienced the thrill of two championship runs from 2012 to 2014, the latter part of his career saw the Kings struggle in the playoffs, losing seven consecutive first-round series. Nevertheless, his leadership over a decade as captain solidified his status as a beloved figure in Southern California.

Even after the Avalanche took a commanding 3-0 series lead, Kopitar remained hopeful. However, as Colorado surged to a 4-1 lead in Game 4, he sensed the end was near. “It hit me with about five, six minutes to go that this could be it,” he shared. “For the last 20 years, I’ve never experienced that. There’s always a next game, there’s always a next year, and now it’s done. So it’s hard to comprehend.”

The fans at Crypto.com Arena were reluctant to say goodbye, chanting his name and showering him with “Thank you Kopi!” as the third period unfolded. They honored him with standing ovations during his final two shifts, a testament to the impact he’s had on the franchise and its supporters. Following the game, Kopitar received warm embraces from Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog and stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in a heartfelt postgame handshake line.

Kopitar leaves behind a legacy defined by 11 playoff appearances and a franchise-record 107 postseason games played. He concludes his career as the Kings’ all-time leader in several categories, including games played (1,521), assists (864), points (1,316), overtime points (34), and game-winning goals (79). His last goal came on March 28, and while he was held scoreless in the series against Colorado, his contributions to the team are undeniable.

The farewell that began with his retirement announcement in September reached its conclusion in April. Kopitar plans to move his family back to Slovenia next year, allowing his children to pursue their passions in hockey and figure skating. “That’s what they deserve,” he said, reflecting on his family. “They’ve been 11 years (and) 9 years with a so-called part-time dad, and now they’ll get full time.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.