Kovalev has surgery on his right knee

Montreal Canadiens Russian winger Alexei Kovalev had surgery on his right knee in Pittsburgh on Tuesday and could be sidelined for four-to-eight weeks.

"He'll be out between four and eight weeks," said team doctor David Mulder before the Canadiens' National Hockey League game against Florida. "But six weeks would be a good guesstimate."

The surgery was performed at St. Mary's Hospital by Dr. Charles Burke, the same surgeon who performed a similar procedure on Kovalev's right knee four years ago. Kovalev was out of action for six weeks the last time he underwent the procedure, but Mulder said this time the operation was not as severe.

"Alex told me he's usually a good healer," Mulder said.

Kovalev has seven goals and 12 assists this season in 18 games, AP reported. V.A.