Home / News / Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom have returned to DC. Kuzy on his offseason: It’s been ‘kind of tough to stop’ celebrating.

Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom have returned to DC. Kuzy on his offseason: It’s been ‘kind of tough to stop’ celebrating.

By Brennin Weiswerda

 2 Comments

August 31, 2018 5:35 pm

The Washington Capitals shortest offseason ever is almost over.

This week, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom were the latest players to return to the Washington DC area and join the team’s informal skates at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The sessions already include Lars Eller, John Carlson, Nathan Walker, Shane Gersich, Pheonix Copley, and Swiss defensemen Jonas Siegenthaler and Tobias Geisser. The practices are run by strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish.

Kuzy admitted in an interview on Friday that being a Stanley Cup champion made training over the summer more difficult.

Video

“It’s not long season (that effects your training). It’s most[ly] the celebration after,” Kuzy joked to NBC Sports Washington’s JJ Regan. “It’s kind of tough to stop and focus on your work.

“Overall I did a great job with the guys I practiced with [in Russia],” the center continued. “When I get back home, they’ve already practiced so I have to go and practice with them. So thanks to them.”

Meanwhile, Capitals captain and new father Alex Ovechkin continues to practice at the Panthers IceDen in southwest Florida.

8 @aleksandrovechkinofficial #simtagraphy #APHD

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Here are photos and videos of all of the players who have returned so far.

Evgeny Kuznetzov

Nicklas Backstrom

John Carlson

Shane Gersich

Jonas Siegenthaler and Tobias Geisser

Pheonix Copley

Lars Eller

Lars Eller’s father Olaf, the head coach of the Denmark’s men’s national junior team, was also at the rink.

Headline photo: Kirk Irwin

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