The Russian National Team remained undefeated Tuesday with the Caps trioka — Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Dmitry Orlov — on the roster. Russia beat Team Sweden 4-1 to finish second in Group A.
But the victory didn’t come without a scare – especially for Caps fans. In the second period, Evgeny Kuznetsov absorbed a dangerous hit from Swedish center Mikael Backlund as he skated into the offensive zone. Kuznetsov, who did not have the puck, was hit the head and shoulder by Backlund. Kuznetsov, woozy, needed help to get off the ice, but returned several minutes later after applying ice on the bench.
Team Russia head coach Oleg Znarok commented briefly on the play in his post-game press conference.
“[Kuznetsov] took a hit in the jaw, and continued with the game,” Znarok said to TASS and translated by RMNB’s Igor Kleyner. “Everything is all right with him.”
Thursday, the Russians will face Germany in the World Championship quarterfinal – hopefully with a healthy Kuznetsov in the lineup.
