Nikolai Kovalenko, a forward with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, spoke about the team’s defensive effort during an interview focused on betting and performance. The forward emphasized that improved defensive play would be essential for a strong showing in the Gagarin Cup playoffs.
He noted that the club has struggled defensively in recent contests, pointing to a pattern of vulnerability at the back that needs to be addressed. The player stated that while the squad can generate goals, there have been lapses that have cost them, underscoring the need for a tighter and more disciplined defensive structure. Kovalenko urged his team to elevate their defensive standards to a higher level, stressing that the defense must be improved 100 percent, a point he believes is evident to anyone watching the games.
In the current Kontinental Hockey League season, Kovalenko has appeared in 40 games, contributing 11 goals and 23 assists. Torpedo sits sixth in the Western Conference standings with 74 points after 66 matches, reflecting a solid campaign but one that still leaves room for improvement on the defensive side of the ice.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Kovalenko was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2018. His father, Andrei Kovalenko, played for the NHL club Carolina Hurricanes in the very city where his son was born. The hockey journey of Kovalenko reflects a blend of American roots and European competition that has shaped his approach to the game.
Earlier in his career, Kovalenko earned a reputation as one of Severstal’s most dangerous players, a designation that highlighted his impact on the ice even before his current stint with Torpedo. This background helps paint a fuller picture of a forward who has consistently demonstrated scoring ability and playmaking instincts across different leagues and teams.