Sharks' Nikolai Kovalenko: Three helpers Thursday

Kovalenko distributed three assists Thursday in a 4-3 win over St. Louis.

Kovalenko recorded his first three-point outing of the campaign Thursday, and it came in just his second game with his new club. The 25-year-old skated on the top line with Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli, and Kovalenko's ice time increased from 9:23 in his first game with the Sharks on Tuesday to 13:18 in Thursday's victory. Kovalenko will certainly be a name to keep an eye on if he can maintain a top-six role, and he could be an option on the man advantage Saturday against Utah if Klim Kostin (undisclosed) is unable to suit up. Kovalenko is up to four goals and 11 points through 30 appearances (28 with Colorado).