Evgeny Kuznetsov had his biggest game of the young 2018-19 season, registering four points against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Capitals’ 5-2 victory.
Postgame, Kuzy was called a top-five talent in the NHL by TJ Oshie. Nicklas Backstrom said the Russian centerman was his favorite player to watch. Kuznetsov may not give a sh*t about the praise, but he’s getting it for good reason.
Kuznetsov’s three primary assists in the game were all stunning. His dish to Backstrom, where he threaded the needle to find the blade of the Swede’s stick in the crease, led to the game-winning goal.
Primary assist 1
The first apple was both juicy and delicious. After gathering in a clever bump pass by Brett Connolly, Kuznetsov peeled down the wing into the Golden Knights zone and put on the breaks. Golden Knights defenseman Colin Miller, not expecting Kuzy to stop, slid out of position.
Kuznetsov then slid the puck across the ice to Alex Ovechkin for a one-timer goal.
Primary assist 2
Kuznetsov’s second assist led to Backstrom’s eventual game-winner. On the power play, Kuznetsov looked off the Golden Knights defense, before sending the puck through Jon Merril’s legs and onto Nicky’s blade. Marc-Andre Fleury, helpless, watched Backstrom bury it.
Primary assist 3
Kuzy earned the title of “dish master” from the NHL’s Twitter account after finding Ovechkin for his second goal of the night. Kuznetsov, again using his patience, deked the puck back towards his body as he moved to the center of the ice. He then swung a perfect pass to Ovechkin driving to the net. Kuzy hit Ovechkin’s blade to help move the Russian machine into 17th on the all-time goal-scoring list.
