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Evgeny Kuznetsov’s First NHL Game in Photos and GIFs

By Ian Oland

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March 10, 2014 7:27 pm

KuznetsovPenguins-3

Photo: Chris Gordon

We’ve been waiting for this since June of 2010. That’s when the Washington Capitals drafted Evgeny Kuznetsov in the first round of the draft. George McPhee winked and we knew it was all good.

Then almost four years went by. But now we’re here. Kuzya has suited up for this first ever NHL game– a homer against Metro rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins. Thanks to the hard work of Hana Imiolczyk, we’ll have all your GIF-y updates right here.

The Arrival

The Game Night Roster

Kuznetsov Puts On His Pads For The First Time

Warm-Ups

KuznetsovPenguins-2 KuznetsovPenguins-4 KuznetsovPenguins

Photos: Chris Gordon

First Period

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Photo: Melissa A.

Early in the first period, Kuzya was announced to the crowd by Wes Johnson.

Crosby and Kuznetsov converge.

Ovechkin gives Kuznetsov advice on the bench.

Kuznetsov got five shifts in the first period, 4:09 of ice time. He took one shift at the end of the period with the Caps’ first line.

Second Period

While getting power play time on the Caps second unit, Kuznetsov records his first NHL shot.

Al Koken asked about Kuzya when he conducted his second period interview with Dour Blaine.

dour-blaine

What have been your impressions of Evgeny Kuznetsov so far?

Blaine Forsythe: You can tell he’s got some talent. Obviously, he’s feeling it out a little bit, but he’ll get better and better. We’re happy to have him.

Karl Alzner gives Kuznetsov a shove-of-love on the bench after Brooks Laich’s power play goal. Dmitry Orlov laughs.

Kuznetsov records his second shot of the night, after curling towards the middle of the ice while taking a shift with Nicky and Ovi.

In the second period, Kuznetsov had five shifts, and 4:23 of ice time. He had one shift on the team’s second power play unit and skated with the first line once again. He also tallied his second shot on goal and also blocked one shot.

In his 7.4 minutes on the ice total so far, Kuznetsov has driven 71.4% of shot attempts towards the Penguins net (even strength only). Halak has had to make only one save while Kuzya is skating– a stat shared by the fourth line alone.

Third Period

With the Caps down a goal to the Penguins, Kuznetsov only saw two shifts in the third period. He finished the game with two shots and 10:22 of ice time.

Adam Oates’ On Kuznetsov’s Performance

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