Kovalchuk is back in Toronto after stint in KHL, writes Terry Koshan.
In his previous NHL life, Ilya Kovalchuk, who did not practise fully Sunday for maintenance reasons, scored 17 goals in 40 career games against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Lured back to the NHL by the Los Angeles Kings after five seasons in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, Kovalchuk could find himself up against Patrick Marleau, the Leafs’ greybeard at 39, when the 5-1 home side hosts Kovalchuk and the Kings Monday in Toronto.
Marleau has been doing some good things for the Leafs in the offensive zone, but did not score a goal in the first six games.
Here are five things to watch for in Monday’s tilt: 1
Matthews’ magic
In four career games against Los Angeles, Auston Matthews has one goal and one assist. But Matthews has been unstoppable so far this season, scoring 10 goals in six games. Teams like to say they worry about themselves, but Matthews will give them plenty of pause for thought.
2.
Balance it out
The Leafs were thrilled some secondary scoring on the part of Kasperi Kapanen, Par Lindholm and Josh Leivo guided them to victory in Washington, but others remain guilty of no offence. Nazem Kadri, Zach Hyman, Patrick Marleau, Jake Gardiner and Travis Dermott are among the Leafs who have yet to score. Further balanced scoring will only help.
3.
Even it up
The Kings rank among the NHL’S bottom teams in Corsi, coming in at 44.5 per cent at even strength. Still, some consistent diligence could be required by the Leafs when both sides are even as Los Angeles has allowed just six goals against in five games in that situation, while scoring 10. The Leafs have 17 goals for and 16 goals against at even strength.
4.
Sputtering PP
While the Leafs are so hot on the power play they’re getting goals from the second unit, the Kings couldn’t be more inept. Los Angeles had 18 power plays this season and did not score on any of them.
5.
Eyes on Doughty
Don’t let Drew Doughty’s slow offensive start to the season — two assists in five games — lull one into thinking he has lost a step. Not so, as Doughty can control a game as much as any other defencemen in the NHL and no player gets a better opportunity to do so. The Kings’ Mr. Everything was first in ice time at the start of play Sunday at 27 minutes 23 seconds per game.