BUFFALO — Ray Shero did his homework before bringing back Alex Kovalev.
The Pittsburgh GM went right to the top and discussed the move with owner Mario Lemieux. Shero also shot down any concerns over how Kovalev would fit in.
“We’ve done a lot of due diligence on Alexei Kovalev,” Shero told the Pittsburgh media. “People here know him fairly well, they know how he is with the players and how he is in the locker room. We’re very comfortable with that.
“With the injuries that we have, we need to add some skill. For the cost, we thought it was worth the risk. He played some of his better hockey here.”
The Penguins are without injured superstars Sidney Crosby (post-concussion) and Evgeni Malkin (knee).
“(Kovalev’s) playing well now,” noted Shero. “We’re taking the chance his game will translate and he’ll play well here. He’ll want to do well.” — Bruce Garrioch
