Kuznetsov returns, scores, adds assist in Caps’ win
Evgeny Kuznetsov stayed on the ice until the very end of Saturday’s warmup, shooting at an empty net to test the injury that had become one of the main talking points of the Stanley Cup final.
When the puck dropped for Game 3, the Capitals centre showed he was feeling just fine.
Kuznetsov scored what turned out to be the winner and added an assist as Washington defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 to take a 2-1 lead in the best-ofseven series.
The leading scorer in the playoffs with 27 points, Kuznetsov was rocked by Vegas defenceman Brayden Mcnabb in the first period of Washington’s 3-2 road victory on Wednesday.
He left clutching his left arm or wrist and didn’t return, but practised on Friday and took part in the Capitals’ morning skate before giving the injury a final once over about a half hour before puck drop.
“It’s emotional stuff,” Kuznetsov said of pain. “When you’re hurt, you play a little better. “You have extra energy.” Kuznetsov showed he’s a weapon at even strength and on the power play even if he’s not 100 per cent.
“Kuzy’s a surprisingly tough kid,” Capitals defenceman Matt Niskanen said. “He’s kind of a slender guy, wiry strong, but guys play through stuff all the time throughout the year and then especially this time of year.”
Alex Ovechkin, with the 60th playoff goal of his career, and Devante Smith-pelly also scored for Washington, which won its first-ever game on home ice in the final to move two victories from its first Cup.
“It’s only two,” Ovechkin said. “We just have to move forward and ( not) think about it too much.”
Braden Holtby made 21 stops for the Capitals, while Jay Beagle added two assists.
Stefan Nosek replied for the expansion Knights, who got 23 saves from Marc-andre Fleury in losing back-to-back contests for the first time in the playoffs.
Game 4 goes tonight at Capital One Arena.
“They came out strong,” said Fleury, whose team also finds itself down 2-1 in a series for the first time. “They never slowed down tonight and we did not find a way back.”
Ovechkin became the 34th player in NHL history to reach 60 playoff goals, accomplishing the feat in 119 games. Patrick Marleau (72 goals in 184 games), Sidney Crosby (66 goals in 160 games) and Evgeni Malkin (62 goals in 158 games) are the only other active players to reach the mark.
“He was possessed out there,” Capitals defenceman John Carlson said. “He’s playing with passion and energy and joy. He’s a one-man wrecking crew. How committed he is, it’s the best he’s played.”