Flames Fans Give Kopitar Emotional Sendoff in Final Game

Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar honored by Calgary crowd after 20-year NHL career.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:45am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the raw energy and emotion of Anze Kopitar's final NHL game.Flames fans give a roaring sendoff to NHL legend Anze Kopitar in his final regular season game.Los Angeles Today

In his final NHL regular season game, Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar received a standing ovation from the Calgary Flames crowd at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flames organization played a special video tribute to Kopitar, and both teams gave him a stick tap to honor his illustrious 20-year career in the league.

Why it matters

Kopitar's retirement marks the end of an era for the Kings, as he has been the face of the franchise for two decades. The outpouring of respect from the Flames and their fans underscores Kopitar's legacy as one of the league's all-time great players and leaders.

The details

During the game, the Flames organization aired a special video message congratulating Kopitar on his career. After the video, the entire Scotiabank Saddledome crowd rose to their feet to give Kopitar a standing ovation. Both the Flames and Kings players then tapped their sticks on the ice to further honor the veteran center. Kopitar then skated to center ice and saluted the crowd in appreciation.

  • Kopitar played his final regular season game on April 17, 2026.

The players

Anze Kopitar

The longtime captain of the Los Angeles Kings, Kopitar is retiring after a 20-year NHL career that includes two Stanley Cup championships.

Calgary Flames

The NHL team based in Calgary, Alberta that hosted the Kings for Kopitar's final regular season game.

Los Angeles Kings

The NHL team that Anze Kopitar has played for his entire 20-year career.

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What they’re saying

“An incredible career 🔥 Congratulations go out to Anze Kopitar, who is playing in his final regular season game!”

— Calgary Flames, Official Twitter account

What’s next

Kopitar will now prepare for the NHL playoffs as he aims to win one final Stanley Cup before retiring.

The takeaway

Kopitar's emotional sendoff from the Flames crowd underscores his status as one of the NHL's all-time great players and leaders. After two decades with the Kings, he will be remembered as a true icon of the sport.