Ilya Kovalchuk’s return to the NHL hasn’t been quite as successful as some people, like the LA Kings, had hoped.
Kovalchuk hasn’t been terrible this season, in fact, he’s tied for the team league in points with Drew Doughty. Still, the team sits dead last in the standings and goals for. You would think that might mean you want to play your leading scorer more, but he only played Kovalchuk 6:20 against the Oilers.
Willie Desjardins, the Kings head coach, tried to explain why Kovalchuk is struggling and it’s kind of confusing.
So, he is well aware that he should not be playing Kovalchuk on the fourth line, but he is the one that put him there. So basically he is just blaming himself for Kovalchuk’s struggles? We’re not sure that is the best way to keep your job after being named the interim head coach.
Especially when you consider that Kovalchuk is just two months into a three-year deal with the Kings.
