Legendary golf teacher Harney Penick's Little Red Book has become one of the most sought after instructional books for golfers of all levels. His simple, no-nonsense approach to teaching golf has made many a convert. One of his most famous sayings: "Wehn I ask you to take an aspirin, don;t take the whole bottle." Penick understood his tips were adjustments and didn;t require a whole change in one's game.



It's too bad the golf legend isn't around to slip the same council into Alex Kovalev's ear. Coach Cory Clouston has been vocal in asking the winger to shoot the puck more often. Last night, Kovalev took the whole bottle, shooting from impossible locations when there was a better play available. I'm not sure if ihe's truly not getting it, or if it's just plain spite (I think the latter), but more and more, it seems AK27 is not a happy camper in Ottawa.

Alex, if Mr. Penick were still around, he would recommend one basic to you: balance. If he could have seen you play, he would have seen what you're capable of, and would have tweaked a bit. You have the talent, mix it up, don't "take the whole bottle". That's all coach Clouston wants you to do. Play smart, shoot when you can. He would also tell you to enjoy yourself. Much as you may miss Montreal, you're in Ottawa now. You have the talent and heart (deep down somewhere) to become the darling of the Ottawa crowds too.

It's time to stop walking the middle of the road. As the wise Mr. Miyagi said: "Walk on road, hm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later get squish just like grape. Here, same thing. Either you hockey do "yes" or hockey do "no." You hockey do "guess so," squish just like grape."