My Take On Welcoming Kovy To The Atlantic Division

Good riddance Mr. Bergfors, you have done enough damage already.

I must admit, when I first heard the news that Ilya Kovalchuk was traded to Atlantic Division leading and Penguin rival New Jersey it made my stomach turn. A team that has already dominated the Penguins four times this season now has one of the game’s most deadly snipers.

However, upon further review, I am more happy to get splendid rookie Niclas Bergfors OUT of the Atlantic Division than I am worried to bring in the big Russian. Bergfors, he of 13 goals and 27 points this season, has mauled the Penguins in his first four attempts.

Bergfors has scored a goal in each game he faced Pittsburgh and had multiple-point nights in a 4-1 win in late October (1g-1a) and another 4-1 decision in mid-November (1g-2a).  All and all, Niclas has four goals and three assists in leading the Devils to four commanding victories.

Johnny Oduya, also shipped out of New Jersey and the direct line of fire for the Penguins, is a +2 in 40 games this season, playing on a Devil defense that allowed the mighty Penguins just two goals in 240 minutes. Frightening.

For the record, Kovalchuk did not notch a point in two Penguin victories against Atlanta this season.

So although it is never good for a conference nemesis to add a legitimate superstar, this trade might possibly work out in the Penguins favor. Only time will tell.