The 2024-25 NHL season couldn’t have started any better for Los Angeles Kings captain Anže Kopitar.
As the Kings faced off against the Buffalo Sabres in their season opener, the future Hall of Famer made a statement, netting a hat trick to lead his team to a 3-1 victory.
It was vintage Kopitar—positioning himself perfectly, showcasing his elite hockey IQ, and delivering clutch goals when the Kings needed them most.
His second goal gave the Kings the lead, 2-1. It came on a power play on a half-slapper that beat the Sabres goalie clean bar down. The last goal was an empty-netter to seal the deal and get LA off to a 1-0-0 record.
This dominant performance not only showcased Kopitar’s ageless skill but also set the stage for what could be one of the best seasons of his storied career.