Evgeny Kuznetsov may have sat out the Islanders game with a concussion, but he wasn’t going to let a little thing like “not playing” stop him from having an impact on the hockey game.

Kuznetsov sat in the tunnel behind the Capitals’ net during the game with backup goaltender Pheonix Copley, an eventual 4-1 Capitals win. And of course, he had fun the whole time.

“Kuzy just waved to Holtby from behind the net,” said Erik Thomas, a New York Post photographer watching the game. Holtby made 31 saves in net–probably due to his teammate’s supportive influence.

Photo: @ErikThomas748

Later on, Thomas updated Twitter with the news that Kuznetsov had stolen Copley’s hat and his pads. Maybe he was trying out a new position? Or maybe it was just really cold in the tunnel and he didn’t have gloves.

Photo: @ErikThomas748

Barclays Center isn’t the most up to date building, but at least the players not playing had a pretty decent view of the game.

Interesting location for Copley and Kuzy to watch the game from.#ALLCAPS @russianmachine pic.twitter.com/3r4Tx375Tp

— Sterling Strange (@SterlingStrange) November 27, 2018

“It’s nice to see him in good spirits and with the team as close to the ice as possible,” Thomas said.

@russianmachine kuzy sighting behind the net at Barclays pic.twitter.com/HvJ8tfmX74

— kris (@kmobsky) November 27, 2018

Plus, spotting Kuzy was a nice treat for sharp-eyed Caps fans in attendance.

pic.twitter.com/jirVWToLmy

— AIMEE ❤ FLECK (@aimeefleck) November 27, 2018

Kuzy returned to the ice for the first time this morning, and even though he didn’t skate with the team, he’s definitely making sure they know he’s there.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Islanders

Ian Oland also contributed to this article.
Headline photo: @ErikThomas748