NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 05: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the Los Angeles Kings is congratulated by teammate Jack Campbell #36 after scoring a goal during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 5, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Kings defeated the Devils 5-1.

Watch: Kovalchuk gets last laugh with goal in return to New Jersey

Andy Marlin / National Hockey League / Getty

1-5 Kovalchuk(11)-ASST: Kopitar(24): https://t.co/lOWDVB9zTw #LAKvsNJD #NJDevils #GoKingsGo #LAKings pic.twitter.com/06TPYYWgH5
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) February 6, 2019

Ilya Kovalchuk got booed all night in his return to New Jersey, but he and the Los Angeles Kings came out on top in the end.

The veteran forward ripped home a late goal to give the Kings a 5-1 lead they would not relinquish against the Devils on Tuesday night.

The fans at the Prudential Center serenaded Kovalchuk with boos and a 'Kovalsuck' chant earlier in the game.

It was his first game in New Jersey since he left the Devils and retired from the NHL to play in Russia in 2013, three seasons after signing a 15-year, $100-million contract with the team.