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MONTREAL – Right-winger Alex Kovalev is the second recipient of the Molson Cup for the 2005-06 season, as he was named the Player of the Month for November. Kovalev, who succeeds Andrei Markov as segment winner, is receiving the honor for the first time since he joined the Canadiens.

Kovalev received 15 points in the Molson Cup standings, tied with captain Saku Koivu and rookie forward Chris Higgins. The 32-year-old was declared the winner because he was selected twice as the second star of a game, compared to once for Koivu. As for Higgins, he earned one 2nd star mention and two 3rd star mentions.

Kovalev played in the Canadiens’ first six games in November, for an average playing time of 21:26, before knee surgery forced him away from action. In those six games, the Russian forward scored three goals, added four assists and had a total of 16 shots on goal. The Canadiens won four of those six games, losing the other two in overtime.

In the overall standings, Kovalev is in first place with 30 points, tied with Koivu. Goaltender José Théodore is alone in third place with 25 points.

A presentation honouring the Molson Cup winner will take place prior to tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, at the Bell Centre.


Alex Kovalev will be honored before tonight's game against the Sabres as the Molson Cup recipient for November.