Evgeny Kuznetsov was the Capitals’ first star in Washington’s 5-2 shellacking of the Buffalo Sabres. Despite trailing 2-1 heading into the third period, the Caps scored four unanswered goals to win their ninth-straight game.
Kuznetsov was a gigantic part of that. The 23-year-old forward, who slid back up into the first line center position with Nicklas Backstrom out hurt, tallied the primary assists on Alex Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson’s game-tying and game-winning goals. Kuznetsov also had six shots on goal, which is his second highest total of the season. Kuznetsov’s even strength shot attempt differential was an astronomical plus-27.
After the game, Kuznetsov was his normal, ridiculous self with reporters.
Evgeny Kuznetsov on comebacks and responsibility: "When the full crowd loud we can't lose the game." pic.twitter.com/TMKksmmtfq
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 31, 2015
Evgeny Kuznetsov on NB19 JB83 injuries: "We just try play simple. We like to score in the third period [smiles] and that's how we play."
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 31, 2015
Evgeny Kuznetsov on the Caps' mental toughness: "We're very strong in the head."
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 31, 2015
Evgeny Kuznetsov on if he was looking for a shot or a pass first on the Mojo PPG he assisted on: "You want all my secrets, eh?"
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/Chris_Gordon/status/682395780334878721
Here’s what head coach Barry Trotz had to say.
https://twitter.com/Chris_Gordon/status/682401240249151488
Let’s just call a spade a spade. Evgeny Kuznetsov is ridiculously good at hockey and a quote machine. I love him. You love him. We all love Kuznetsov.
