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Evgeny Kuznetsov participates in Capitals optional practice before Game Three

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Two days after being injured in Game Two, Evgeny Kuznetsov is back on the ice. The Capitals leading point getter in the postseason skated during the team’s optional practice before Game Three.

He escaped serious injury.

Kuzy was not 100 percent during practice and, at times, ginger with his left hand.

According to NBC Sports Washington’s Tarik El-Bashir, the Russian pivot only held his stick with his right hand while receiving passes.

However, one prominent French reporter, Renaud Lavoie, believed Kuznetsov would be good to go for Saturday.

Lavoie published video showing Kuznetsov put power behind his shots during a drill.

A video posted by NBC Sports Capitals highlighted Kuznetsov at practice skating, as well as making and recieving passes.

After practice, the Capitals did not let media talk to Kuznetsov because he had not been officially cleared from injury yet.

Caps captain Alex Ovechkin believed Kuzy would suit up.

Barry Trotz said Kuznetsov would be a game-time decision and remains “day-to-day.”

If the worst-case scenario happens and Kuznetsov is unable to suit up for Game Three, Lars Eller will likely be bumped up into the top six and either Chandler Stephenson or Travis Boyd will center the third line.

Kuznetsov initially injured his hand after a hip check by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb into the boards.

Kuznetsov left the ice in a lot of pain.

During Game Two, the Capitals said Kuzy suffered an upper-body injury and was questionable to return. He did not. A day later, Barry Trotz said the center was “day-to-day.”

Kuznetsov kept his left hand and wrist in his pocket as he deplaned Thursday at Dulles Airport.

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