Alex Kovalev, by the Numbers: Why He's Having a Rough Year

Many Canadiens fans are growing tired of Kovalev's lacklustre play on the ice this season.

However, they must know that Kovalev only had two seasons over 80 points in his long career (2000-01 and 2007-08).

After 53 games, Kovy has 37 points (13 goals and 24 assists) on pace for a mere 57 points, a 27-point decrease compared to last year.

1992-93	New York Rangers	NHL	65	20	18	38	79
1993-94	New York Rangers	NHL	76	23	33	56	154
1994-95	Tolyatti Lada	Russia	12	8	8	16	49
1994-95	New York Rangers	NHL	48	13	15	28	30
1995-96	New York Rangers	NHL	81	24	34	58	98
1996-97	New York Rangers	NHL	45	13	22	35	42
1997-98	New York Rangers	NHL	73	23	30	53	44
1998-99	New York Rangers	NHL	14	3	4	7	12
1998-99	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	63	20	26	46	37
1999-00	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	82	26	40	66	94
2000-01	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	79	44	51	95	96
2001-02	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	67	32	44	76	80
2002-03	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	54	27	37	64	50
2002-03	New York Rangers	NHL	24	10	3	13	20
2003-04	New York Rangers	NHL	66	13	29	42	54
2003-04	Montreal Canadiens	NHL	12	1	2	3	12
2004-05	Kazan Ak-Bars	Russia	35	10	13	23	80
2005-06	Montreal Canadiens	NHL	69	23	42	65	76
2006-07	Montreal Canadiens	NHL	73	18	29	47	78
2007-08	Montreal Canadiens	NHL	82	35	49	84	70

As a Ranger, Kovalev registered 275 points in 402 games for a 0.68 point-per-game average.

As a Penguin, Kovalev notched 347 points in only 345 games for a 1.01 point-per-game pace.

As a Canadien, Kovalev recorded 199 points in 236 games before this season for a 0.84 point-per-game average.

Finally, throughout his career (including this season's numbers) Kovalev played 1,126 games and recorded 913 points for a 0.81 point-per-game pace.

After looking at the above numbers, it would be wise and normal to expect about 65 points from Kovy over a 82-game season. Even fewer, if we take into account that the Habs' power play has been mediocre this season.

Last season, he recorded 37 points on the man advantage, 44 percent of his production. This season, he only has 14 points on the PP—38 percent of his total—which means he is producing more this season at even strength than last year.

The Canadiens' lack of success on the power play is reflected in Kovalev's stats and play, which in return hampers the Canadiens' ability to win close games.

I have been saying all year long that a productive Canadiens team must start with an effective power play. When Kovalev is producing on the PP, he is a happy player and he is not trying to do everything by himself, which in turn helps the remaining players carry and share the offensive load.

Players like Plekanec and Koivu are trying to do too much and are not able to bear that much pressure.

Bob Gainey, it's time to find the power-play specialist the Habs need so much!