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Evgeny Kuznetsov suits up as goaltender during practice (Video)

By Rachel Cohen

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January 4, 2018 2:04 pm

Braden Holtby better watch his back, because Evgeny Kuznetsov is coming for his starter’s spot. During practice on Thursday morning, the forward swapped his usual gear for goalie pads for about 20 minutes, taking shots from Philipp Grubauer and Dmitry Orlov.

The Capitals Twitter account initially posted video.

And Caps media posted shots through the glass.

Grubi decided to try his best TJ Oshie impression and attempted to dangle.

Orlov, however, didn’t go easy on his fellow countryman, firing hard slapshots form the blueline.

At one point, Kuzy confidently punted a puck with his pad after making a save.

After practice, Kuznetsov explained that he had some sort of bet on the line with Dmitry Orlov.

“We have a challenge and we play for fun,” Kuznetsov explained.

Kuzy, who asked Barry Trotz for permission to suit up a while ago, stopped enough pucks to win.

“[Orlov] lose twice so he needs to get better,” Kuzy joked.

Kuznetsov would go on to explain that he played goalie as a kid sometimes in Russia.

“When I was young I used to play a lot,” Kuznetsov said. “It’s kind of cool.”

Thursday’s practice wasn’t even the first time Kuznetsov has gone between the pipes at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. Kuznetsov did it earlier this year as well, after a training camp skate.

Maybe stick to your day job, Kuzy. We need you out there scoring goals, not stopping them!

Header photo: NBC Sports Washington’s Tarik El-Bashir

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