Ilya Kovalchuk's Top 10 Goals as a New Jersey Devil

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Ilya Kovalchuk may not be everybody’s favorite Devil, but you can’t deny that he’s had some highlight goals in his time with New Jersey. Nothing is better than seeing Kovy dash down the left wing and flick a wrist shot past the goalie or a rip a slapper on the power play.

This year, we haven’t seen much of the “vintage” Kovalchuk, but he has given us fans some shining moments. So instead of talking about his turnovers or how he needs to play on the left wing instead of the right, let’s take a look at the 10 best goals of Kovalchuk’s career in New Jersey.

February 12, 2010 vs. Nashville

Eight days earlier, he became a Devil. And then, in a game against the Nashville Predators, he scored his first goal in a Devils uniform. 

October 13, 2010 vs. Buffalo

After three straight losses, the Devils were looking for their first W of the season in Buffalo. Taking a scoreless tie into overtime, Kovalchuk blasted a slap shot off the pipe and in from the right circle to win it.

November 12, 2010 vs. Edmonton

This was definitely the highlight of an abysmal first half of the season for the Devils. Still looking for their first home win, the Devils were in overtime against the Edmonton Oilers. Kovalchuk ended the game with a power-play goal and an emphatic celebration.

December 4, 2010 vs. Philadelphia

This is one where you need to take a second look. At first, it doesn't look like a spectacular goal. But then when you see where Kovalchuk shot it from and the fact that it went top shelf, it's quite impressive.

December 14, 2010 vs. Phoenix

Although there's two goals in this video, the highlight is the first one. The kneeling shot is definitely one of the nicest ways to score a goal, and Kovalchuk has had a few of them in his career.

December 18, 2010 vs. Thrashers

The Bottle Popper. Enough said.

February 10, 2011 vs. Toronto

An end-to-end rush, at the end of the shift, coming across the ice and shooting across his body. This was yet another game-winner from the 2010-2011 season.

February 18, 2011 vs. New York Rangers

A breakaway is usually not that impressive. But when it's against the Rangers and an All-Star goaltender, it's pretty special. Especially considering the game ended 1-0.

March 2, 2011 vs. Tampa Bay

"And then as he's falling, he rips that off the end of the pipe and into the net."

November 16, 2011 vs. Buffalo

A little dipsy-doodle followed by a top-shelf wrist shot. Best goal of the season thus far for Kovalchuk.