Don’t look now, but Evgeny Kuznetsov is closing in on a new career high in goals.
Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, Kuzy scored on two of his six shots, including a stunning wraparound which gave the Russian center 19 goals on the season.
But his evening might be best remembered for a gimme goal he failed to collect on.
Goal 1
Oshbabe → Kuzy off a fast break #CapsSens #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/tZyzIYq8Z9
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 28, 2018
Kuznetsov opened the game’s scoring with 4:44 left in the first period. After Matt Niskanen served a two-minute interference penalty, he left the box and dropped a pass for TJ Oshie. Osh Babe then found a wide open Kuznetsov streaking down the wing for the one time goal.
To celebrate, Kuznetsov raised his right arm into the air and gyrated his hand.
Goal 2
Kid can wrap #CapsSens #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/6jNc39Dc26
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 28, 2018
Kuzy added a second goal with 11.1 seconds remaining in the second period. Taking a pass from Niskanen with speed, the Chelyabinsk forward beat Mike Condo to the post for a stunning wraparound.
Condon face planted as he tried to get back to the cover the near post.
The goal would stand as the game winner.
Missed opportunity
Kuznetsov also continued his, at times, maddening tendency to overthink certain situations, missing out on a wide open goal in front of the net. The play would have eventually given Kuzy a hat trick.
Condon fell for Kuznetsov’s slick deke to his backhand, but the Caps forward, seemingly set on trying his Twister pass, opted to skate behind the net instead.
This was Kuznetsov’s second phenomenal effort in the past three games. Kuzy also had a four-point outing against Buffalo on Saturday.
Kuzy’s career high in goals is 20 set in 2015-16. He’s now on pace for 24 goals.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Senators
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
