With six goals in the first 25 games of the season, Evgeny Kuznetsov had struggled to find his scoring touch this fall. But as winter approaches, Kuznetsov has broken out all by himself with three skillful goals thanks to quality individual plays in his last two games. Kuznetsov and his linemates, Jakub Vrana and TJ Oshie, were the team’s best trio in Saturday’s narrow 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Kuznetsov beat fellow Russian and last year’s Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky with a supreme effort as he flew into the offensive zone, collected a pass from Oshie, tapped the puck to John Carlson, and snaked around three Columbus defenders. He finished it off with a flick of the wrists to hit the top shelf of the net as a helpless Bobrovsky dove to catch up.

“It’s not his fault, the goals,” Kuznetsov said of Bobrovsky after the game. “I feel we just made great plays. I believe it’s not easy against, every goalie, especially on home ice.”

Kuznetsov’s play was certainly great and he finished it off with a sublime celebration. The goal 68 seconds into the final frame turned out to be the game-winner.

“In third period, was very important goal for us [when] Kuzy score for us,” Washington captain Alex Ovechkin said.

Kuznetsov now has six goals in his previous eight games, leads the team in points, and the Caps are rolling.

Full Coverage of Caps vs Blue Jackets

Headline photo: Rob Carr