Ilya Kovalchuk: Dale Hunter better find some common ground with Ovechkin
New Jersey forward Ilya Kovalchuk in an interview to Sport-Express commented on Washington Capitals head coach Dale Hunter’s alleged row with Russian star Alexander Ovechkin.
«What can you say about Dale Hunter’s conflict with Ovechkin, who was benched for ten minutes after making an error?»
«I wouldn’t like to comment the actions of a coach, especially another team’s coach, but I always thought that one has to find some kind of common ground with players of Ovi’s quality. Before he arrived in Washington the Caps were way at the bottom. With his arrival the team has been reborn and shot up in the league table.
That is why their new coach has to come to an understanding with Alex and make him feel comfortable within the team. He needs to spend more time on the ice and the trust of his coach in order to excel. I know because I have been in the situation myself.»
«Do you think the Capitals will get into the play-offs?»
«I would really like them to. Washington are a strong side that deserves to compete for the Stanley Cup.»
«Would you like to face them?»
«That would be brilliant. Playing against Ovechkin is an excellent challenge,» said the Jets star.