Russia Beats Slovakia In World Opener, Kovalchuk Named Captain

In the Crease
Associated Press May 10, 2010

World championships

Jaromir Jagr set up three goals to help the Czech Republic cruise past France, 6-2, in their opening game of the ice hockey world championships in Cologne, Germany.

Group C rival Sweden won a had-fought battle with Norway, 5-2.

In Group A, Belarus rallied from two goals down to beat Kazakstan, 5-2. Russia, led by its big guns - team captain Ilya Kovalchuk, Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Maxim Afinogenov - beat Slovakia, 3-1.

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KHL President Alexander Medev Planning To Offer Kovalchuk "Good Offer"

Adam Thompson The Wall Street Journal 2-23-2010

"On the topic of star Russian Alex Ovechkin returning in his prime to the KHL, Mr. Medvedev indicated he would honor his contract, which runs through 2020-21. But he's got his eye on New Jersey Devils sniper and Russian Olympian Ilya Kovalchuk (above): "When [Ovechkin's] contract would expire, we could make him a good offer, like we're planning to do with Kovalchuk."

Fellow Russian Sniper Wishes Kovalchuk Best In New Jersey

"I wish him good luck. He's a good friend of mine and a great player. It was a big trade and I'm sure good players are going to Atlanta, too." -- Alex Ovechkin

Pick a Door Any Door: Atlanta Has Three Options Regarding Ilya Kovalchuk

Chris Vivalamore of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution writes about Ilya Kovalchuk's unique situation with the Atlanta Thrashers. Never has a premiere player such as Kovalchuk at the age of 27 been an unrestricted free agent and have a plethora of options. Vivalamore details three options which Atlanta GM Don Waddell must consider. They include signing the superstar winger, trading him, and staying put for the time being. To check out Chris Vivalamore's piece and learn more about number seventeen's options, please visit this link.

Upper Deck Player Spotlight: Ilya Kovalchuk

One of the premiere players in the NHL & the world, Ilya Kovalchuk has every right to be mentioned in the game's elite group of players. The man from Atlanta has accumulated 327 career goals, and much of those without a legitimate centre man. In addition, he has won a Rocket Richard Trophy in 2003-04, played in three All-Star games, and is on pace to reach the 50 goal plateau for the third time in his career. As Christopher Carmichael of The Upper Deck Blog writes, "He is seemingly the second most dynamic goal scorer in the game today behind only Alexander Ovechkin." Considering his incredible accolades and talent, one would assume Kovalchuk would be anointed the franchise player for the Atlanta Thrahsers and receive a contract to match. However as the Olympic Roster Freeze date and the NHL trade deadline come closer, the "Superman from the South" is still without a contract extension. The Upper Deck Blog gives five scenarios to what may happen to number 17 in the coming months. To see Christopher Carmichael's player spotlight on Ilya Kovalchuk, please visit this link.