Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk
Ilya Valeryevich Kovalchukis a Russian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League. He debuted in the Vysshaya Liga with Spartak Moscow, before continuing his career in the National Hockey League. Drafted first overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, he began his NHL career with them in 2001–02. After eight seasons with the Thrashers, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in February 2010, and later...
ProfessionHockey Player
Date of Birth15 April 1983
CityTver, Russia
This decision was something I have thought about for a long time going back to the lockout and spending the year in Russia. Though I decided to return this past season, Lou was aware of my desire to go back home and have my family there with me. The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for, and our fans that have been great to me.
The most difficult thing for me is to leave the New Jersey Devils, a great organization that I have a lot of respect for, and our fans that have been great to me.
I want to keep growing. I should take a couple steps every year if I want to be one of the best players in the league.
I don't care about [being a star]. The most important thing for me now is just do my job.
He took a stupid penalty. He's an 18-year-old kid, and he's got to learn he can't play like this.
I'm excited to return to Atlanta and look forward to getting back on the ice and helping my teammates, ... We have a lot of offensive talent and I can't wait to contribute and help lead this team to the next level.
I don't think about how many goals I'm going to score. I don't care. I would give up all my goals for the eighth playoff spot.
It's my job to score goals, ... I love to score here at Philips Arena. The fans go crazy, everybody is happy. I like it.
It's unbelievable. If you lead 3-0 or 4-0, the game is not over yet.
That's pretty much our last chance. We have to do our job and then think about other teams who can help us.
It's an unbelievable feeling to know that (Sunday) we're going to fly there and all the best players are going to be there. It's going to be an exciting tournament and a really good experience.
You can't play perfect for all 82 games. It wasn't our best time, but now I think we're going to make a final push for the playoffs.
These guys scored a lot of goals against Washington, ... We didn't do the right things. We didn't work hard.
This is a huge point for us. A team like Washington is physical and a team that's fun to watch.