Alex Kovalev to fly home to Russia, will miss games

Alexei Kovalev will miss the next couple of games for the Ottawa Senators, including tonight’s contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as he is on his way to Russia because of the death of his wife’s mother.

Kovalev has been on a hot streak of late, racking up four points in the last four games. In 18 games this season, the Togliatti, Russia, native has four goals and six assists with a minus- 5 rating.

Ryan Shannon draws in and will take Kovalev’s spot on the second line of Mike Fisher and Nick Foligno.

Full story here

UPDATE:

The Senators are saying this is not true and that Kovalev will play tonight against the Penguins.