Comments on: Thoughts on Alex Kovalev interview

By: Yves

Yves — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:23:22 +0000

I agree Dennis.

I think Gainey’s trying for another kind of magic… Fast moving offense in Cammalleri, Gomez and Gionta.

I wish Kovalev all the best too… I like him.. But I hope he looses against the Habs…

By: Dennis

Dennis — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:45:25 +0000

The fact that Kovalev could either thrill fans or upset them depending on which Kovy showed up that night, says he was a complicated dude who may not have been a good fit with all the changes. I thought the guy was fantastic, yet others just despised him. Was he a factor in the chemistry department, was he loved by his teammates? It’s all so complicated that maybe Gainey just decided to start completely fresh, giving up on a guy who could be so magical when he was on.I wish him good luck in Ottawa, except when they play the Canadiens.

By: Yves

Yves — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:44:24 +0000

Thanks for the comments Olivier!

I think that Kovalev might be in a good situation in Ottawa.

He’ll have a couple of proven offensive players around him and Clouston seems to be a pretty good coach. Kovalev could very well have a great year this year.

Not sure just how Ottawa will do, I’m no good at predictions… and it’s mostly just a guessing game anyway… but with less pressure around him and proper role on the team he might flourish.

By: Olivier

Olivier — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 04:13:29 +0000

I think Carbo’s chief failing was being unable to curtail Kovy’s 5-on-5 icetime. To me, he just isnt a very good anymore in that situation, and he’d spend an enormous amount of energy on that dimension.

I say it’s a failing for Carbo, because on the other hand, putting Koovy on the PK, especially as the lone forward on 3-on-5, was a very very good idea. He doesn’t have the 5-on-5 fu anymore, but a 65 points a year special team specialist is a very, very special player. But you have to cut on his ES playing time. Whomever finds a way of doing so will have a very valuable player on his team, and will find out he may not be that inconsistent all of a sudden.