Home / News / TJ Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov will play in Game Three after suffering hand injuries

TJ Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov will play in Game Three after suffering hand injuries

(@russianmachine) on April 30, 2018 | 0 Comment

On Monday, following their 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Two, the Capitals had a day off. Head coach Barry Trotz met with the media ahead of the team traveling to Pittsburgh for Game Three.

Trotz provided a brief update on the timeline for Andre Burakovsky’s return, as well as commenting on the status of Evgeny Kuznetsov and TJ Oshie, who both struggled off the ice towards the end of the game.

Trotz announced that Andre Burakovsky will return to the ice soon.

“Yes, he’s getting closer,” Trotz said to the media, when asked for an update on Burakovsky’s progress. “I expect him to skate fairly shortly here.”

Burakovsky sustained an upper-body injury during the Capitals first-round series with the Columbus Blue Jackets. It came following a collision along the boards Boone Jenner, and required surgery to correct. He has been considered week-to-week, and has not been travelling with the team.

Trotz also provided an update on Kuznetsov and Oshie.

Late in the third period, Kuzy was slashed in the right hand by Penguins defenseman Kris Letang as he skated the puck up the ice. Kuznetsov returned the favor by retaliating and slashing Letang in the left leg. The Russian served the only penalty.

While in the penalty box, Kuznetsov grimaced in pain as he examined his hand.

In the final seconds of the game, Oshie suffered his ouchie while blocking a shot from Justin Schultz. Oshie stopped the puck with the palm of his hand.

Oshie, in pain, kicked the puck forward, which eventually led Nicklas Backstrom’s empty-net goal.

Trotz said he expects the same lineup for Game Three.

“Yes, he’s fine,” Trotz said, regarding Oshie. When asked if he would be traveling with the team, Trotz affirmed. “Yes.”

The second line winger has been playing beat up for the latter part of the season. He took brutal hits from Nick Foligno and Ian Cole during the first round.

In late March, he also blocked a shot with his left hand.

In December, Oshie also suffered his fourth documented concussion after getting butt-checked in the head by Joe Thornton.

Oshie has regularly missed practice and the morning skates during the postseason. He returned to practice ahead of Game Two. It would not be surprising if Oshie took a maintenance day before the Capitals Game Three matchup with the Penguins.

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