The entire off season hoopla in the NHL surrounded the $100+ million contract Kovalchuk and the Devils were trying to put together multiple times. When the deal finally got accepted high expectations were placed on the sniper and deservedly so.

After spending his entire career in Atlanta the five time 40+ and two time 50+ goal scorer was dealt to the Devils. This was supposed to elevate them to the next level and be contenders in last years playoffs. Things didnt go as planned as they fell in 5 games to the Flyers in the 1st round as a #2 seed.

Many people questioned Kovalchuks mentality and make up as a player. Is he a team player can he get it done when it matters most? Anyone can rack up the stats playing for a bad Thrashers team that only made the playoffs once during his time there, never even winning a playoff game.

The same questions surfaced again when the big commitment was made to Kovalchuk this off season. I didn’t buy into all the negative media talk surrounding Kovalchuk. Sticking to the belief system that someone as talented offensively as Kovalchuk will find a way to be effective with one of th best teams in the NHL for the past 15 years.

So far I am dead wrong. It was only a few weeks ago Kovalchuk was mysteriously benched with no explanation given by head coach John McLean. The entire season has been atrocious for the Devils as they sit last in the NHL at 4-10-2 far from what anyone could have imagined. Oh and right when things couldn’t get any worse they lose their best player Zach Parise to a long term knee injury.

Can it get any worse. Oh you better believe it as last night was rock bottom for Kovalchuk. Take a look at what happened during his shootout attempt, and attempt is being nice.

Of course this led to another loss against the Sabres. I could maybe understand an attempt this bad from the 20th option on your bench in the 15th round of the shootout. For one of the best goal scorers in the NHL with a chance to extend the shootout on the line it’s nothing short of an embarrassing joke.

Lamariello must be losing it right now. This contract has all the early signs and makings of the Islanders deal with Yashin 10 years $87.5 million contract which they are still paying up until the end of this year even though hes been out of the league since 2007.

Ultimate FAIL. Yes.

Written by

Chad Margulius