Anze returns

It was a big summer for Anze Kopitar, who spent some time in his native Slovenia after a highly successful rookie season. Kopitar helped his country qualify for the 2008 World Championships and basically received a hero's welcome everywhere he went in his country.

``It was a pretty big thing when I arrived,'' Kopitar said. ``I kind of expected it because everybody was telling me what a big deal it was. Sometimes it bothered me a little but it was fun. People I didn't even know would come up to me and start asking me questions and talk to me like they'd know me for years. I didn't want to be rude but I didn't want to be too nice either.''

Kopitar said he added muscle this summer but lost weight overall, and spent much of his offseason conditioning on strengthening his core. A balky back sidelined Kopitar late last season but he said it's no longer an issue.

And after a rookie season in which he often dazzled, and finished with 61 points in 72 games, Kopitar said he's raising his personal expectations.

``My personal goals are higher,'' Kopitar said. ``I don't want to expect too much from the season but I'm going in with a lot more confidence. I understand the game a little more. I lost a little bit of the feel during the four months off but I'll get it back real soon. I just have to raise my game to another level.''

Finally...Kopitar was asked about his impressions of Michael Cammalleri.

``He's hungry for the puck, especially in the offensive zone,'' Kopitar said. ``His attitude is great for the locker room. He likes to talk and he shows it on the ice, that he's a passionate guy.''