Frustrated with being healthy scratched for the past two games, Los Angeles Kings forward Ilya Kovalchuk has broken his silence on what's been a rather forgettable first season back in the NHL.
Speaking with Lisa Dillman of The Athletic, the 35-year-old Russian watched the Kings' 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday from the press box - not because he was replaced by another forward, but rather head coach Willie Desjardins opting to roll out 11 forwards and seven defencemen.
“It’s horrible,” said Kovalchuk. “That’s the worst. But he (Desjardins) didn’t play young guys. He plays 7 D. That’s his new strategy.
“What you can do? That’s his decision and he’s the head coach – 10 more games. What else we can do. Just practice hard and show the young kids that that thing can happen to anybody. You just have to keep going.”
Desjardins was hired as John Stevens replacement after 13 games into the season. Kolvachuck produced at a point per game with 14 points in 14 games, but saw his offence dry up after Desjardins was hired.
After Willie came here, I don’t have a chance. I play five, six minutes a game.”
“A few games I play with Kopi,” Kovalchuk said. “We did well. We score all five games and then he (Desjardins) decide to change and I never play again, much. That’s the way he sees the situation.
Kolvachuk has notched 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 60 games in the first of a three-year, $18.75 million contract.
