Kings' Kopitar leaves game vs. Blues with upper-body injury

Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar left Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Blues with an upper-body injury, and did not return.

Following the team's 3-0 win, head coach Darryl Sutter gave fans reason for optimism.

"I talked to him after," the coach said. "He's feeling better, so that's good."

Kopitar was bloodied by either an elbow or butt-end from the stick of Blues forward Ryan Reaves in the first period. He played three more shifts before ending his night early.

A serious injury could potentially alter ongoing discussions of a contract extension for the 28-year-old, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

The Slovenian has scored four goals so far this year.