Ottawa Senators Bryan Murray calls out Alex Kovalev
Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray called out forward Alex Kovalev while speaking to the press on Thursday 21 October.
Murray, who is not pleased with his team’s rocky 1-4-1 start to the season, called out his defenseman earlier in the week and has said he is planning on making a deal to improve the club’s blue line. It appears as though the Ottawa GM has now turned his
focus to underperforming star Kovalev.
Kovalev has been known for underperforming throughout his career. Touted as one of the League’s most talented players, Kovalev often infuriates his team’s coach and general manager with his lack of work ethic. The 37-year-old is capable of impressive things
at the offensive end, but often checks out for weeks at a time. Murray spoke about Kovalev’s play this season, voicing his displeasure with the Russians lack of work ethic.
“Not very good,” the GM exclaimed. “It looks like his skating isn’t where it was last year. I think there’s lingering effects maybe from surgery he had. I’m hoping that’s part of it and, as time goes on, he gets going.”
Kovalev responded to Murray’s comments by saying that he feels stronger and better equipped than last season.
“Last year, people were talking about me not skating either, so I don’t know where is the truth,” said the Russian sniper. “Last year or this year? I’m skating better than last year. Me, personally, that’s the way I feel.”
The fact that Kovalev is underperforming does not come as a shock to several hockey pundits, who have followed the veteran for his entire career. Moreover, the fact that Kovalev is not accumulating points, as he was expected, should not come as a great shock
to Senators fans either. The right-winger had a poor season last year only managing 18 goals and 49 points.
So far this season with the Senators Kovalev has played in all six games and only managed one assist. Kovalev is the third highest paid player on the team earning $5 million this season.
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