After almost two calender years as a Devil, I am coming to the conclusion that Ilya Kovalchuk on the Devils is not the Ilya Kovalchuk we saw for years on the Thrashers, and I'm questioning if that will ever change. I know Kovalchuk has been playing right wing for most of this season and he still hasn't found real chemistry with any of the Devils centers, but I think his struggles dig deeper than that. He's changed and it's evident.
Kovalchuk doesn't go for end-to-end rushes while dangling several opposing defenders like we used to see. He doesn't shoot the puck as much as he used to. He's lacking confidence, and I'm not sure when or if he'll regain that. We've seen flashes of what he showed in Atlanta, but it's almost a rare occasion now. He's not confident with the puck. He's trying to make the perfect play and live up to the hype that comes with his new contract, and it's just not working. He needs to simplify his game and get back to what made him so successful in Atlanta. Right now it doesn't look like that will happen. He used to take over games almost regularly. He doesn't do that anymore. He has solid games here and there, no doubt, but he's just not the same.
Kovalchuk is still a huge threat to opposing teams but at this point it's more so because of his skill level than how he's playing. I love his passion. I love him as a player, but I'm just not sure it will ever work in New Jersey like it was supposed to.
News and Notes
- The New Jersey Devils recalled defenseman Alexander Urbom today from the Albany Devils. Urbom, 20, tallied 6 points (1G, 5A) and boasted a +5 rating in 18 games with the A-Devs. It is unknown as to how long he will be up for and if he will play a game. I'd assume he will.
- Devils goaltending prospect Scott Wedgewood has been invited to Team Canada's World Junior Camp. Wedgewood, 19, was one of four goaltenders named to the camp.
- Eric Boulton is good to go and is available to play Wednesday if Pete DeBoer decides he wants him back in the lineup.
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