Ilya Kovalchuk is stepping up his training ahead of the opening of NHL training camps which are set to start (as of now) on July 10.

The Capitals’ third-line winger posted video of himself wilding out on a punching bag, drawing concern from captain Alex Ovechkin for just how violent the workout was.

“Coach G said it’ll come handy 🤣😆,” Kovalchuk wrote as translated by RMNB’s Igor Kleyner. “PS Dare to disagree 😅 ”

Kovalchuk added a hashtag at the end – a joking threat towards his longtime Russian national team teammate Evgeni Malkin: #WatchoutMalkin.

Ovechkin commented on the video and asked Kovalchuk, “bro what are you preparing for????”

Kovalchuk responded, “Playoffs bro)) 🐧”

If Kovalchuk wants to use his hands for punching Malkin instead of deking past him, he would join the Capitals other trade deadline acquisition this season, Brenden Dillon, who did so in a February 23 game against the Penguins.

Dillon landed several punches as Malkin covered up.

protecting vulnerable teammates: ✅
by fighting away a pissed off pen: ✅
A Washington Capital: Brenden Dillon pic.twitter.com/FBoDSzEFml

— b. (@youripides) February 23, 2020

While Kovalchuk is known for his offense, the Russian native has dropped the gloves eight times in his career.

He even knocked out Brayden Schenn in a fight.

So now you know. Kovy can throw hands and he’ll be ready for when the NHL’s 24-team playoff begins.

Headline GIF courtesy of @ilyakovalchukofficial