What a difference a game makes. One night you're considered a pariah for flubbing your opportunity in the penalty shootout. Next game out, you're the hero as you deliver your team's first home victory of the season late in overtime.
Enter the world of Ilya Kovalchuk.
The New Jersey Devils went into their clash with the Edmonton Oilers without the services of their inspiring captain Jamie Langenbrunner.
During the Devils' previous encounter with the Buffalo Sabres, Langenbrunner suffered an upper body injury and was given the night off.
Someone had to step up and all eyes were on Kovalchuk, who was beginning to feel the burden of the enormous contract handed to him by New Jersey during the offseason.
Kovalchuk was able to beat Oilers' goalie Devan Dubnyk with 1:33 remaining before the game would advance to a shootout. The relief on Ilya's face was obvious as you could see the weight of expectations melt off. His teammates surrounded him in joy as they knew how much it meant for him to score such an important goal in their season.
No one ever doubted Kovalchuk's ability, skill or aptitude for the game of ho ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Sean Hartnett
Kovalchuk Transforms From Goat To Hero With Overtime Goal For the Devils
November 12th, 2010 by Sean Hartnett Leave a reply »
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