The idea was for to play on the top line, or at least play top-line minutes, when he signed with the Kings.
It seemed straightforward but, much like the Kings’ season, it quickly changed and devolved to a crisis before it settled down. Lately, it’s found a resting place although the Kings still rest in last place in the Western Conference.
On the top line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown for the last five games, Kovalchuk has a goal and three assists in that span. Not surprisingly, he’s in a better frame of mind with the expanded role.