Daily Archives: January 9, 2013

Some players at 39 years old are better than some players at younger ages.  Why? Experience, talent, and the knowledge of what it takes to perform on a nightly basis.  By inviting a player who has scored more than 400 goals in his NHL career, the Florida Panthers think that Alexei Kovalev just might be one of those players.

In June the crafty forward had indicated his desire to come back and play for the Montreal Canadiens (one of his former teams), however that hasn’t panned out, and the Panthers who seem to have the desire to find scoring, will give the veteran a chance to prove he can still play the game.

Kovalev played only 22 games in Europe last season but was released after scoring one goal and adding five assists.  He was bothered by a knee injury at the time, which he now feels is in the past.  He’s been working out, getting himself in shape, and is hopeful to be able to make a difference on the Panthers roster.

Kovalev has had some outstanding seasons in the past, and was a consistent goal scorer in his prime with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins benefitting the most.  His highest output was in 2000-2001 when he scored 44 times and added 51 assists.

Funny story about Kovalev.  During the 93-94 season when the New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup, Kovalev was occasionally accused of taking longer shifts than his linemates.  At one point of a game then head coach Mike Keenan refused to let Kovalev come off the ice to teach him a lesson, and kept the ultimately exhausted forward on a shift that lasted almost 10 minutes.  Each time Kovalev tried to come off, no one would open the bench door, and he was told to stay out on the ice. His teammates and coaching staff laughing all the way!

There’s nothing to lose here.  If he can play we’ll find out very soon.  And if he can, our chances in shootouts will have improved dramatically. 

Thank you for reading.  We welcome your comments and opinions.

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