Evgeny Kuznetsov’s underlying play might be concerning, but his play on special teams continues to impress.
Saturday against the Dallas Stars, Kuznetsov scored his sixth power-play goal of the season to tie the Capitals and Stars 3-3 in the third period.
All of Kuznetsov’s goals this season have come when the Caps were up an extra man.
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The Kuznetsov tally was very similar to the no-look goal Kuznetsov scored against Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen earlier in the season. After taking a pass from Nicklas Backstrom, the Russian center curled out of the corner and ripped a shot from no angle past Ben Bishop.
The Stars, more concerned about one of the game’s greatest goal scorers, sagged towards Alex Ovechkin in the zone, giving Kuznetsov the time and space to shoot. According to NBC Sports Washington, Kuznetsov scored at a 16-degree angle.
After turning the red light on, Kuznetsov, for the first time this season, brought back the bird walk celly he made famous last season.
Here’s another look.
While the goal was impressive, Kuznetsov’s carry-in into the zone was arguably even more incredible.
Just a month into the season, Kuznetsov is one off his career high in power-play goals (7). Kuznetsov’s six PPGs tie him with Patrik Laine for the league lead.
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