Evgeny Kuznetsov Scores Game-Winner As Hurricanes Stay Alive
Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov recorded the game-winning marker as the team fought off elimination for a second time with a 4-1 victory over the Rangers on Monday. He potted his fourth goal of the postseason 6:39 into the third period. Kuznetsov appears to enjoy the high-pressure environment, as he was also among the goal-scorers in Game 4. The Russian centerman has begun to build a goal streak after being a healthy scratch in the second game of the series. He's managed six points (four goals, two assists) across nine playoff games this year, skating on the fourth line and the second power-play unit.
Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov will be back in the lineup for Game 3 against the Rangers on Thursday. He was a healthy scratch for Tuesday's Game 2. Kuznetsov has posted four points (two goals, two assists) in six playoff appearances this year, but he's done all his scoring across two games. He comes in for Max Comtois on the fourth line. The winger logged only 6:19 of ice time in Tuesday's 4-3 double-overtime loss, finishing with a minus-one rating.
Carolina Hurricanes center Evgeny Kuznetsov picked up two points in a 6-3 win over the New York Islanders in Game 5 of their first-round series. Kuznetsov scored on a penalty shot late in the first to give the Canes a 3-1 lead and then assisted on Stefan Noesen's third-period marker that made the game 5-3 and out of reach for the Islanders. Kuznetsov played most of the series on the team's fourth line, but that isn't much of an insult on a team as deep as the Hurricanes. He was able to post four points in five games even with limited ice time and was a key part of a solid bottom six.
Evgeny Kuznetsov Assigned To AHL After Clearing Waivers
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has been assigned to the AHL after he cleared waivers on Sunday. Washington announced that the team is waiving Kuznetsov on Saturday after he was cleared to resume practicing by administrators for the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Kuznetsov, a two-time All-Star and the Capitals' leading scorer on their triumphant 2018 Stanley Cup run, entered the program on Feb. 6. Washington decided to cut ties with Kuznetsov after he contributed only 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 43 games this season. The Russian centerman, who has registered 171 goals and 568 points in 723 career regular-season appearances in the AHL, has one more season to on an eight-year, $62,400,000 contract.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov did not partake in Monday's practice due to what the team is calling personal reasons. "We'll have an update later but out today for personal reasons," Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said. It's been a down season for the veteran pivot as Kuznetsov has recorded just six goals and 17 points across 43 games while posting a minus-11 rating in that time. His 18:47 of average ice time per game is actually an increase from last season and is the third-highest mark of his 11-year NHL career. The Caps have largely struggled as a team as they are tied for sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with a 22-18-7 record while their -31 goal differential is the third-worst figure in the Eastern Conference.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (illness) will rejoin the action on Saturday against Nashville. He returns from a one-game absence, having been unavailable for Thursday's contest against Philadelphia due to an illness. Kuznetsov has struggled for form this season and was even a healthy scratch recently. He's sitting on only 11 points (five goals, six assists) through 22 outings. The Russian centerman has averaged fewer points only during his rookie campaign in 2014-15.
Evgeny Kuznetsov Expected To Return To Lineup Thursday
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov is expected to re-enter the lineup on Thursday against Dallas. Following a string of lackluster performances, he was scratched for Monday's meeting with Arizona. The Russian centerman has contributed only four goals and five assists in 19 appearances this season, and he's currently averaging 0.47 points per game, which is the second-lowest mark of his career. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery will likely want to see a big reaction from Kuznetsov on Thursday. He's projected to skate with Hendrix Lapierre and Matthew Phillips on the third line.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (illness) will miss a second straight game Wednesday against Buffalo. After being out for Saturday's matchup against Columbus due to an illness, Kuznetsov returned to practice on Monday, but he still isn't in game condition. The Russian pivot has been off form for most of 2023-24, registering only three goals and eight points in 14 appearances. Dylan Strome has taken over as the first-line center in his absence, while Connor McMichael has also moved into the top six.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (illness) won't play Saturday versus Columbus. He was absent from Friday's practice due to an illness, and Kuznetsov hasn't recovered well enough to be game-ready on Saturday. The 31-year-old will miss his first contest of the season. The 2023-24 campaign hasn't gone great for Kuznetsov, with the Russian centerman on only eight points (three goals, five assists) through 14 appearances. Connor McMichael is poised to replace Kuznetsov as the first-line center on Saturday.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov did not participate in Friday's practice due to an illness. "Misses today so just depends on how bad it is for him and how he responds over 24 hours," Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said in regard to the Russian's status ahead of Saturday's contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's been an uneven season for the veteran who slipped to just 12 goals and 55 points in 81 games in 2022-23. This time around, Kuznetsov has recorded three goals and eight points in 14 games along with 37 shots on goal and a minus-two rating as part of his 21:37 of ice time per game, a steep increase from his 18:04 mark from last season.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov produced two goals in Friday's 4-2 triumph over the Devils. His first marker gave Washington a 3-0 lead, and Kuznetsov wrapped up the win with an empty-netter after New Jersey had made things interesting with a couple of third-period strikes. Life hasn't been fun for the 31-year-old early in 2023-24, as Kuznetsov had lit the lamp just once through his first 11 outings. His work in the assists department has also been lacking, with the two-time All-Star posting four assists. Kuznetsov had a down year last season with 55 points, and early signs suggest that he could do even worse in 2023-24. However, we're still at the start of the campaign, and there's time for him to turn things around.
Evgeny Kuznetsov Questionable Wednesday Versus Panthers
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov is questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Florida Panthers after missing the last two days of practice with an illness. "We'll just have to play it by ear and see where he's at physically," Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said before adding "So, no determination on tomorrow night." The 31-year-old has just one goal and five points in 10 games for a veteran-laden Capitals club that has scuffled to a 5-4-1 record alongside a minus-nine goal differential on the season. Kuznetsov endured a down season in 2022-23 when he registered just 12 goals and 55 points, along with a -26 rating, after notching 24 goals and 78 points across 79 games in the previous season. Carbery stated the club will consider calling up a forward from the AHL rather than dressing seven defensemen if Kuznetsov is unable to go Wednesday.
Evgeny Kuznetsov Sees New Head Coach As "Perfect Match"
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov is in good spirits ahead of the new campaign and believes things will work out very well under new head coach Spencer Carbery. "The way he sees hockey, it's perfect match for me and a perfect match for guys inside the team," Kuznetsov said of Carbery. "I'm looking for that, for sure: that coach that's gonna ask to create more, to ask to score some goals, to ask to hold on to that puck, to ask to skate with that puck." Kuznetsov had a tough time in D.C. last season and reportedly asked for a trade. However, he now appears very excited for a fresh start. "I want the people to be happy with the way I play, the way I can play," Kuznetsov added. "I know I'm one of those pieces that has to be on point every night." The Russian centerman was close to being a point-per-game player only two seasons ago and should be capable of reaching the same level again in a comfortable playing environment.
Evgeny Kuznetsov Still Seen As An Important Piece By Capitals
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov reportedly requested a trade last season, but new head coach Spencer Carbery still sees him as an important part of the team. "I think he's a very, very important player for our team," Carbery told Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. "What he's capable of when he's on his game is world class and that's my challenge to help identify parts of his game, things I can help him with, put him in positions to have success. I have a real appreciation for the game that he plays and the style of play." Kuznetsov had an awful year in 2022-23, posting only 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 81 games, but he appears highly motivated to produce a bounce-back campaign. "In my conversations with him, it sounds like there's a real focus to his preparation for next season, which is great to see," Carbery added.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (upper body) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's clash with Columbus. He sustained an upper-body injury at the weekend against Minnesota and could be out of the lineup for only the second time this season. Having posted only one point across his previous nine appearances, Kuznetsov has been going through a miserable offensive spell, but he's one of the most talented forwards on the team and sits third in scoring for the season. Through 70 appearances, Kuznetsov has put up 12 goals and 39 assists.
Evgeny Kuznetsov Totals Four Points Against The Rangers
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov had his second four-point game of the season on Saturday, leading the team to a 6-3 victory over the Rangers with two goals and two assists. He had twice as many points in the game than he had managed with his previous seven appearances this month. Kuznetsov has had a number of other slumps as well and it's resulted in a down year for him. Through 60 games, the Russian centerman sits on 11 goals and 49 points. The Capitals definitely need better performances from Kuznetsov to make it into the playoffs.
Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov tallied a goal and an assist Tuesday against Columbus. The Capitals beat Columbus 4-3 in overtime. Besides providing points to his team, he logged one shot and blocked two shots. With only seven goals in 52 games, the Russian center has helped as a playmaker producing 26 assists. Kuznetsov's ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates has made him a valuable player for the Capitals, as they rank third in the Metropolitan Division in goals for with 166.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov had a big four-point night against the Oilers Monday, scoring two goals and delivering a pair of assists in a 5-4 victory. All of his points came on the power play and Kuznetsov ended up with the game-winning tally. Kuznetsov had managed only three points across his previous eight appearances, so fantasy managers will be very relieved following Monday night. Despite going through a bad spell, Kuznetsov is still averaging close to a point per game this season, with two goals and nine assists to his name in 13 outings. Hopefully, we start seeing some consistency from him now.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has served a one-game suspension and will be back in the lineup Saturday against the Kings. He was forced to sit out Thursday's 5-2 loss against Ottawa after getting suspended for high-sticking Vancouver's Kyle Burroughs at the start of the week. The Russian centerman had an eventful night against the Canucks as he also tallied three assists in a 6-4 win. Prior to the outburst, he had managed just one point in his first three appearances of the season. Kuznetsov will head back on the first line, bumping Lars Eller down to the third. He returns in a juicy matchup, as L.A.'s defense has looked very poor so far, giving up 4.50 goals a night.
Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended for one game for high-sticking Canucks defenseman Kyle Burroughs during the second period of Monday's contest, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced on Tuesday. Kuznetsov received a minor penalty for high-sticking on the play, and he will miss the upcoming game against the Senators on Thursday night. The 30-year-old has totaled four assists through the opening four games of the season, while skating on the second line with forwards Anthony Mantha and T.J. Oshie.