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.
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Is that an intentional Sharks pun?
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He thinks it could be a valuable wake-up call.
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AP
At least between Dan Cleary and Bryan Bickell.
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Joel Quenneville said they “hit the wall” after that.
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Tough night for the zebras.
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Finally some adversity for the Blackhawks.
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Peter Horachek had been with the team since 2003.
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Two goals in 31 seconds, including his beauty.
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That Craig Adams hit didn’t feel very good, though.
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Did anyone go over the line?
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Video: Viktor Stalberg returns after head-first sprawl into boards
May 20, 2013, 8:11 PM EDT
Perhaps that hurt less than it looks.
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“Sooner or later something’s got to give,” he said.
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He has a no-trade clause.
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Contrary to Tortorella, Hagelin says he ‘definitely’ doesn’t stink on power play
May 20, 2013, 5:06 PM EDT
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Lots of stink talk coming from New York.
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He hopes to be ready for the start of the 2013-14 regular season.
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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.
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But can the Rangers control the Bruins’ big forwards?
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Just to quash that rumor entirely.
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“Don’t stick your hands where you shouldn’t.”
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The commissioner visited the New York Stock Exchange last week.
