The Top 10 NHL playoff storylines to watch
Sean Leahy SportsShizle.com April 11, 2010
5. New Jersey’s added dimension of Ilya Kovalchuk
Since being dealt from the Atlanta Thrashers on February 4th, Kovalchuk has posted 10 goals and 15 assists in 27 games with the Devils. He brings a dimension to the New Jersey lineup that could make fans forget about their early departure last season against Carolina. Having played just four playoff games in his eight-year career, Kovalchuk is entering new territory being part of a team that has a reasonable chance to win a Stanley Cup. Devils head coach Jacques Lemaire is still working to find the right fit for Kovalchuk in the lineup, but since he’s been almost a point-per-game player as a Devil, the line tinkering hasn’t affected his production.