The same could be said 11 years later, at least to start. The 4-8-1 record the Kings compiled in their first 13 games was enough to cost John Stevens his job. It’s not what Kovalchuk predicted when he signed a three-year, $18.75-million contract, but the aforementioned experience conditioned him to the harsh realities of the game.
Kovalchuk has been more noticeable on a line with Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli the last two games, both wins. His hands and flashes of elite skill have been apparent, such as his one-time swat of the puck past Ducks goalie John Gibson on a break-in on net.