It annoys me that Russians get the cancer rap moniker.

For every Kovalchuk, there is a Datsyuk. As offbeat as Ovechkin is, there isn't another winger I wouldn't take over him currently.

Who is the second best center in the league? Malkin

It's very frustrating that the Don Cherry anti-Russian vibe is still prevailent around the league today.
- MidnightMarauder

Well, Kovalchuk pretty much took Russian players back 10-15 years of getting away from that....

No he didn't, that's why he was traded, twice.
- tomburton99

He sure worked in the spring of 1994. He was their second best forward; especially in the last two rounds.

He overall was disappointing here because of his supreme talent level to overall production ratio.

But, like Pete already stated, without him absolutely dominating from the ECFs Game Six until Game Seven of the SCF, the Rangers likely don't win the cup that year.

Well, Kovalchuk pretty much took Russian players back 10-15 years of getting away from that....
- mrhattrick27

He definitely stained his name not every Russian NHLer though.

Kovalchuk was always ruled by money and quite frankly we all can't be too upset at him. He made a really good living here but he is making an NBA player's salary in the KHL. He was in the position to make that move and good for him and his family.

He absolutely hurt his reputation, amongst his peers though, but I highly doubt he cares about that.

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