Kopitar's Hat Trick Leads Kings to Season-Opening Win Over Sabres
- Anze Kopitar scored three goals in the third period to secure a comeback win for the Kings.
- Darcy Kuemper made 32 saves, including a crucial stop on a penalty shot.
- The Sabres continued to struggle with scoring, failing to convert on multiple power plays.
On October 10, 2024, in Buffalo, New York, Anze Kopitar led the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in their season opener. The Kings faced an early challenge, falling behind 1-0 after a goal from Alex Tuch during a shorthanded breakaway. However, Kopitar quickly turned the tide by scoring just 13 seconds into the third period, leveling the game. He then secured the lead with a power-play goal late in the game and capped it off with an empty-netter. Darcy Kuemper, the Kings' goaltender, played a crucial role in the win, stopping 32 shots and successfully defending against a penalty shot. Despite being outshot significantly in the first two periods, the Kings managed to rally, showcasing their resilience. The Sabres struggled offensively, continuing a trend from their previous two losses against New Jersey, where they also only managed one goal per game. The game highlighted the Sabres' ongoing issues with scoring, as they failed to convert on five power-play opportunities, leaving them 0-for-10 in the season. The Kings, missing key defenseman Drew Doughty due to injury, demonstrated that they could still find a way to win despite their challenges. Kopitar's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he now holds 26 points in 18 season-opening games, making him the NHL's leading active skater in this category. Looking ahead, the Kings will continue their seven-game road trip against the Boston Bruins, while the Sabres will host the Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup champions, in hopes of turning their season around.