Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
 
GOHABS.com -> GOHABS.com Message Board -> GOHABS.com Message Board -> Kovalev: the great underacheiver
Post Info TOPIC: Kovalev: the great underacheiver
wright


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 239
Date:
Kovalev: the great underacheiver
Permalink Closed

One of the great mysteries to me since being a memeber of GOHabs message board is why certain knowledgeable posters relentlessly bash Koviu and yet give Kovalev a free pass. Undoubtably Kovalev possesses unbelivable talent. One of the best stickhandlers in the game, a lethal wrist shot that can go top shelf even within a few feet of a goalie, incredible moves on the ice........and yet despite all these great talents he probably will not score 500 goals in his career. He never has had a 50 goal, 100 point season. When Koviu went down with his injury in the playoffs last season, Kovalev did not exactly step up his game to be a leader. Gainey even criticized Kovalev after the Habs were elimanted.


Kovalev is the second highest paid player on the roster, probably the defacto leader of the Russian contigent of players on the team, yet he floats for long period of times during the season. Thus far in the exhibition schedule he has been totally disinterested, what sort of example does that set for his new linemate Samsanov? On a team desperate for goal scoring he gets 23 last season? He comes into camp last year with a nagging knee injury and instead of having surgery in the offseason waits until November to finally have the knee scoped. People say well he is limited because he has lousy linemates, funny that did not stop Ovechkin who played an entire season with committment and passion, something I only see in brief spurts from Kovalev.


When Kovalev WANTS TO PLAY he is in a league of his own, but it is not consistent, and for that he hardly ever gets knocked about it on this board, while there is a multiple rippings of Koviu. Not trying to start a Koviu vs Kovalev issue, more to the point why does Kovalev get a free pass, with this guys skill level he should be contributing more to the Habs, unless I am missing something.



__________________
MC Girl


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1977
Date:
Permalink Closed

Kovy hasn't gott'n a free pass.... he just didn't have anythin' that posters could squack about durin' the summer (like they had with Koivu... his eye kept his name alive)


There were as many Anti-Kovy posts durin' the last part of our previous season as there were Anti-Koivu.



-- Edited by MC Girl at 21:41, 2006-09-23

__________________
davidb


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1612
Date:
Permalink Closed

There is no doubt in my mind that we will finish 7th or worse unless Samsanov and Kovy play to their potential. I hope they can click this year

__________________
The Cup Stops Here
Nil d


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3452
Date:
Permalink Closed

I agree with everything you say, Wright.  But many of us (Barry, notably) have bashed Kovalev many times for his lack of effort.  He is especially galling when he loses the puck after dangling with it for 30 seconds.  Once he loses it, he also loses interest in the play completely.  One of the great underachievers in Hab history - along the likes of Malakhov.




__________________
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
davidb


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1612
Date:
Permalink Closed

Ya Nil  I have noticed that last year, Kovy makes a great sometimes spectacular rush. He loses the puck  in the offensive end and then its like he floats. Its like he says  oh well another rush is over. I cannot stand that

__________________
The Cup Stops Here
AB Habman


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2344
Date:
Permalink Closed

wright wrote:


Kovalev is the second highest paid player on the roster, probably the defacto leader of the Russian contigent of players on the team, yet he floats for long period of times during the season. Thus far in the exhibition schedule he has been totally disinterested, what sort of example does that set for his new linemate Samsanov?





I agree in general Wright but some of the criticism has to go to Gainey. You state above of the concern for part time Kovy not setting an example for Samy. Don't worry about that because Sammy is Kovy's twin brother. I mean Gainey has just doubled his and our frustrations now that we get to watch two guys play only when they have good hair days or the sun set just right.


 If I was Gainey, I would of stayed away from Sammy as the Oilers did and also why Boston traded him. Those teams based it on the "F" word...frustration! The guy is a puck hog just like Kovy. That's why I stated in earlier posts that it's a waste to put them on the same line. Two pucks isn't allowed.



__________________
AB Habman


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2344
Date:
Permalink Closed

 Hello! Anyone there?

__________________
Johab


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 1350
Date:
Permalink Closed

I dont know how some hockey players can play like that. I know personally i play to win, HATE lsoing and if i feel at the end of the game i didnt give it my all, im pissed at myself. Even if we win.As for losing the puck to another players. If and when it happens, it makes me EVEN MORE motivated to get it back. I will chase that guy down until the puck is either back on our teams side or hes dumped it in ( WHICH I HATE PLAYING AGAINST ) dump and chase has to be one of the most boring offensive strageties and most annoying one EVER used. Play an offensive dump and chase versus a defensive trap. THATS A GAME FOR YA!!!



__________________
At just 18, i've got the girl who has said the 6 words i've wanted to hear my whole life!! " My Dad Owns A Liquor Store"
barry33


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3191
Date:
Permalink Closed

AB Habman wrote:

 Hello! Anyone there?

The problem is simple. Everywhere kovalev has played the team's coaches and GM's have bowed down to him and basically given him what he wanted. This is no different. Gainey went out and got Samsonov for one reason...he figured it would appease Kovalev and light a fire under him. Time will tell. The guy frustrates the hell out of me.

__________________
________________ I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!
ScottishHAB


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 118
Date:
Permalink Closed

Johab,


You're not on $3-4 mill win lose or draw.Sadly that seems to draw the passion from some guys.



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
GOHABS.com -> GOHABS.com Message Board -> GOHABS.com Message Board -> Kovalev: the great underacheiver
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard