Alexei Kovalev is coming back from lengthy rehabilitation after surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, so many wondered if the 37-year-old Ottawa Senators forward—who is often criticized for his lack of passion—would return ready to play.
Some of those critics were answered in Wednesday night's preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs when Alexei Kovalev dropped his gloves and fought Maple Leafs' defenceman Francois Beauchemin as though he was a 19-year-old prospect looking to impress the coach.
“I was a little bit surprised,” coach Cory Clouston said. “But I guess you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do out there.”
Never mind that Kovalev was on the receiving end of four hits while never landing one himself. It showed that he was back, ready to play, and that he cared.
“Everybody was excited,” said Kovalev. “You don’t see too often Alex Kovalev fight.
“It’s entertainment and it’s before the season. I’m sure I’ll think twice in regular season, if I should do that. Depends on the scoring in the game. This game doesn’t really mean ...
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Article written by Christopher Smith
Ottawa Senators’ Alexei Kovalev Shows His Passion in the Battle of Ontario
September 30th, 2010 by Christopher Smith Leave a reply »
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