Evgeny Kuznetsov’s comeback season nourished the soul.

By the Numbers

Visualization by HockeyViz

About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com shows lots of information for the player over the season. A short description of each chart:

• Most common teammates during 5-on-5
• Ice time per game, split up by game state
• 5-on-5 adjusted shot attempts by the team (black) and opponents (red)
• 5-on-5 adjusted shooting percentage by the team (black) and opponents (red)
• Individual scoring events by the player
• 5-on-5 adjusted offensive (black) and defensive (red) zone starts

Fan Happiness Survey

About this visualization: At three times during the season, RMNB shared an open survey with fans, asking the following question for each player:

On a scale from 1 to 5, how HAPPY are you to have this player on the team?

1 means VERY UNHAPPY TO HAVE THEM ON THE TEAM
2 means UNHAPPY
3 means NEITHER HAPPY NOR UNHAPPY
4 means HAPPY
5 means VERY HAPPY TO HAVE THEM ON THE TEAM

The numbers above show the average score for the player in each survey period.

Exit Interview

Peter’s Take

Called it.

I’m not gonna spend time repeating the litany of nonsense that made Kuznetsov’s last couple seasons so dreary; it’s in the link above. Let’s just say it was very bad for a while, and the Capitals were very close – like super-duper close – to trading him at last season’s deadline. But they didn’t, and literally everyone is glad they didn’t.

Kuznetsov was just inches behind his career-best season (2018, natch) in goals and assists (24 and 54), and he was certainly Washington’s most fun forward, which means extra to me as the team grows slower and unadventurous.

Also worth noting: Kuznetsov played 79 games, more than any other player and tied with Fehervary. In a season filled with injuries and COVID protocol, Kuznetsov was durable and dependable.

I’d like to see him shoot more, particularly soon after gaining the zone. Watching the top line get rebuffed at the blue line or dumping the puck in for a long possession fight really bums me out. We all know that’s not the kind of hockey Kuznetsov should be playing, except I guess for the coaches. One dirty secret about Kuznetsov is that he’s not the strongest two-way player, and obviously neither is his partner Alex Ovechkin. The success of that top line really requires an elite puck mover with back-checking chops. When Kuznetsov lost Tom Wilson on his wing in Game One of the playoffs, the top line was basically cooked.

Anyway, huge season by Evgeny Kuznetsov, who is a good choice if you’re looking for a favorite Caps player.

According to Orson Welles

Birdman on RMNB

• On his goal for the season: “Get my smile back in the game.”
• At season’s start, the top line appeared to be Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Mantha.
• On what he wants out of Ovechkin’s chase on Gretzky: “I just want to be in the picture!”
• The Caps used Kuznetsov a bit as a penalty killer this season. I thought they’d give up after a few games, but they did sorta stick with it. Kuznetsov got a shorty in October and another in December.
• Kuznetsov started the season hot.
• Just helping out the worldwide sports leader.

• There were a bunch of Russian fans at a game in New Jersey.
• Analyzing Kuzy’s new goal song.
• Kuznetsov got high-sticked by a Detroit athletic trainer.
• December 15: In Covid protocol.
• Kuznetsov replaced Adam Fox at the All-Star Game. In the skill competition, Kuzy got dead last in the fastest skater event. Kuzy also booed Tom Wilson. His team won, and he took this picture.

• On playing against Holtby: “He was the main reason why we been successful for a long time.”
• Kirill Kaprizov named his cat after Kuznetsov.
• When the power play was sputtering, Kuznetsov was briefly replaced by Lars Eller. That lasted like one game.
• Kuzy stole an Ovi goal.
• On March 12, Kuznetsov recorded a hat trick. Boudreau was a bit peeved.
• Hand tattoo. No comment.
• Kuznetsov’s shootout tactic is something to behold. 🐢 He also did a fancy little twirl.
• Relatable: his allergies were bad.
• On playing defensively responsible hockey: “we can play offensive hockey in the summer beer league.”

Your Turn

Kuzy is best, no? What’s past is past, right? What’s missing from his game now?

Read more: Japers Rink