Kovalchuk’s goal-scoring streak ends

Forward Ilya Kovalchuk’s six-game goal-scoring streak ended Saturday at San Jose, thanks to a couple of saves by fellow Russian national team player Evgeni Nabokov.

Nabokov still raved about Kovalchuk’s talent afterward and compared him favorably to another Russian, NHL goal-scoring leader Alex Ovechkin.

“His shot actually could be better than Ovechkin’s shot, the way he moves the puck,” Nabokov said. “He’s a great shooter, and he can shoot either side anytime. You have to keep your eye on him every single time. You have to know where he is. You don’t know when he’s going to release the puck. It could happen quickly, right away, or he can hold onto it and be patient. You just play and react.”

Another streak

Bryan Little scored in all four games of the western trip, after he had been held pointless for 10 games.

“All of the sudden now he’s found himself,” Thrashers coach John Anderson said. “He’s getting in little spots where people don’t like to go because they get hacked and whacked. He’s going to those spots and getting chances.”

Said Little: “I’m shooting the puck more, which is the biggest thing for me, and I’ve got my confidence back now.”

Also hot

Slava Kozlov’s assist on Little’s goal gave him a point for the sixth time in seven games.

Kozlov’s pass went across in front of the crease and gave Little a high-quality opportunity.

“It was just a great pass by Kozlov,” Little said. “I think anyone could have scored. A good little saucer pass, and it was perfect.”

Tough return

Boris Valabik played for the first time in 13 days. He fought Jody Shelley but also took two minor penalties, one of which led to the Sharks’ first power-play goal.

“It takes a little bit to get used to [playing] again,” Valabik said. “Mentally and physically you can work as much as you want to in practice, but it’s never going to be the same as in a game. Especially the first period was a little rough.”

Said Anderson: “I thought he played pretty solid. Both of those [minor] penalties were phantom penalties.”