The full conf call interview (from the Mayors Manor) with Kopi, talks about his knee, no surgery, and the mental fatigue he felt (and pressure to succeed) that hindered him this year.
Hopes to refocus over the summer
Reading betweetn the lines, maybe the pressure of being the 'best player' on the cup Champions and all the pressure to be the first in 15 years to repeat was just too much for him.
On any injury slowing him down during the playoffs:
“There is not going to be any surgery necessary. In fact, I just talked to Chris (Kingsley, Kings head trainer) and our doctor today. I can actually get rid of the knee brace too. So, I’m getting back to no discomfort and good strength in my knee. I should be fine. And in regards to being injured during the playoffs, there was really no significant injuries that I suffered. It was normal, just banged up with a few bumps and bruises. That’s about it.â€
On why he wasn’t able to do what he normally does on the ice:
“There’s no secret that we needed more from me, in terns of the production during the post-season. But, I honestly wish I could point the finger at something and do it differently. But, I guess one of the cold streaks came at the wrong time. I’m definitely frustrated because of it. But, that’s the way it goes sometimes. Now, for me, it’s a matter of working mentally and getting prepared for these kinds of moments, but to not search them out for too long and getting out of the slump quicker and not feeling too down.â€
On the weight of the situation:
“Any guy will tell you that you feel a little down. Obviously you’re working hard and the results aren’t coming, so it gets a little frustrating. I think the competitive guy that I am, I want to perform every night. And it just wasn’t going. So, yeah, feeling down was part of that, but a little bit frustration (too). And again, I’m pretty sure it’s not lack of caring or not trying. In fact, sometimes you try even harder and it backfires on you. Maybe that was the case. For me, it’s a matter of evaluation things like that and learning from this for the future and trying to get rid of those slumps and definitely not drag them on too long.â€
On being moved to the third line and if he discussed it with Sutter at the time:
“We talked about it. He said he was going to switch me and Stollie. I was fine with it. During the playoffs it really doesn’t matter who you’re playing with. Darryl was trying to find something to get something going. So, there were definitely no hard feelings. I came out and played hard. That’s all I really can do.â€
On that ‘re-evaluating’ he mentioned and his summer plans:
“It’s going to be pretty much the same routine. There might be a tweak or two here and there. But, it’s not going to be a whole lot different. The last couple of years we’ve played lots of hockey and had fairly long seasons too. So, now it’s maybe a week of recharging and really trying to unwind from all the physical and mental stress that you put on your body over the course of the season. Then, I’ll start working out again and getting ready for next year
