Wednesday night, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his sixth goal and second OTGWG of the season. In front of his idol Pavel Datsyuk, Kuznetsov went one-on-three and beat Petr Mrazek on a brilliant individual play. Kuznetsov, who was second in the league in points a few weeks ago, still leads the Caps as a team (18).
Braden Holtby, rarely overstated or hyperbolic, had high praise for Kuznetsov when he spoke with flesh-colored cucumber Pierre McGuire after the game.
Holtby to McGuire:
[Kuznetsov] had an adjustment period last year coming over. It seemed like right after the all-star break he was a different player. He was probably our best player throughout the playoffs. Right from the start of the year you could tell he has world class skill. He has the ability to be a top-five player in this league. With the amount of poise, skill, and commitment to getting better [he has], it’s amazing to watch him every day. He’s a great teammate and he’s huge for us.
That’s exciting.
Last month, Barry Trotz said he thinks Kuznetsov can be one of the NHL’s best players.
“It’s not even the same person,” Trotz said. “We always knew he had the skill, but his pro game – his North American game – has really come along. He’s not afraid of the big moments. He’s not afraid of the top players in the league. He wants to be one of the best guys in the game, and I think he can be.”
Great team effort tonight, kuzy with the best goal- @nateschmidt29 with the best face pic.twitter.com/VFtBfomlIN
— Michael Latta (@Latta17) November 19, 2015
Kuzzzzmonster 🚨💪@Kuzya92
— John Carlson (@JohnCarlson74) November 19, 2015
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