Getty Images Ilya Kovalchuk hasn’t scored in six games. He hasn’t registered a point in five.
These are unfamiliar times for the Russian sniper, who has twice reached the 50-goal plateau in his NHL career. He is also in the third year of a 15-year, $100 million contract.
But the start of the 2013 season looks, at least based on statistics, to be a forgettable one. He has two goals and five points in nine games.
Despite Kovalchuk’s struggles, Devils head coach Pete DeBoer doesn’t seemed concerned.
“That’s the bottom line. I’m not worried about (Kovalchuk),” DeBoer told the Newark-based Star-Ledger.
“Kovy is on board and he’s doing a lot of little things the right way and it’s helping us win games. He’s on the ice all the time and he’s getting chances. Those are eventually going to go in for him.
“The reason we’re winning is the guy is on the ice 26 minutes a game…He’s having an impact in a lot of different areas rather than just on the scoreboard.”
The Devils are fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 5-1-3 record.
-
Getty Images
Additionally, Chicago will play Detroit and the Kings will host the Sharks.
-
Getty Images
Thursday’s collection of links
-
Getty Images
They rank first and second in shorthanded goals in the 2013 playoffs.
-
It initially made it look like he suffered an injury.
-
AHL Bruins blow 3-0 series lead against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
May 22, 2013, 11:40 PM EDT
Getty Images
Trent Whitfield has now been on the wrong end of history twice.
-
Video: Sens coach won’t take questions, refers press to game sheet
May 22, 2013, 10:59 PM EDT
John Tortorella would be proud.
-
Getty Images
The Penguins “have too much depth.”
-
Getty Images
Ottawa’s strong first period was wasted.
-
Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
Getty Images
He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
-
Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
-
Getty Images
He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
-
AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
-
AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
-
His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
-
AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
-
“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
-
“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
-
Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
-
Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
Getty Images
Vancouver cleans house.
-
After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
