Anze Kopitar played the final game of his illustrious 20-year NHL career Saturday as the Los Angeles Kings were swept by the Colorado Avalanche.
The fans at Crypto.com Arena gave Kopitar a loud standing ovation as he took the ice late in the third period.
A standing ovation for Anze Kopitar as he hit the ice in the final minutes of regulation 👑 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/59CLR2vCdl
— NHL (@NHL) April 26, 2026
"It was hard to keep it together, really," Kopitar said postgame, per The Associated Press. "Being here for 20 years, more than half of my lifetime, it's extremely special. I really appreciate the fans."
Avalanche players showed respect to Kopitar in the handshake line.
Anze Kopitar makes his way through the handshake line after his final NHL game 🥹 pic.twitter.com/gdmM1f5mcm
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2026
Kopitar saluted the crowd before heading off the ice for the final time.
A legendary career comes to a close for Anze Kopitar 🙌 pic.twitter.com/4KNirGFqHv
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2026
"It hit me with about five, six minutes to go that this could be it," Kopitar said. "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."
Kopitar played his entire career in L.A. He's the franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,521), assists (864), and points (1,316). He led the Kings to Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014. The Slovenian also won two Selke Trophies and three Lady Byng Trophies.
Next stop: the Hockey Hall of Fame.
