Evgeny Kuznetsov’s gone through a wide range of emotions since being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on March 8.
While excited for a fresh start — “I’m happy to be here and new chapter in my life” — the 2018 Stanley Cup champion lamented how things ended in Washington.
“That city is massive chunk of my heart,” Kuznetsov said turning emotional. “Unfortunately I had to leave that way on that note, but it’s life.”
In the days since, Kuznetsov has received a tremendous amount of support from the Hurricanes organization. And, after looking more like his former self in his first three games, Kuznetsov scored his first goal for his new team in Carolina’s 4-0 shutout victory over the Florida Panthers, Thursday, wristing home a shot from the left circle past Sergei Bobrovsky.
Kuznetsov did his signature bird celebration after scoring as the crowd roared in delight.
Minutes later, as his goal was announced over the PA system, Kuznetsov received a huge ovation from the “Raleighwood” crowd like the rock star he is.
The love, coming after such a difficult and low moment in his life, turned Kuznetsov emotional as he perhaps wondered if he was still worthy of such adoration.
“I just want to say thanks to the fans,” Kuznetsov said to Bally Sports South’s Hanna Yates at intermission. “I almost cry a little bit. It’s been a long time for me. I’ve been dealing with some big issues. That support is huge for me.”
Kuznetsov would be named the First Star of the Game and did a postgame interview that aired on the jumbotron.
Leaders of the pack 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZgeO9Y0lvn
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 15, 2024
Fans cheered as he spoke and yelled “KUUUUUZZZZZ.”
“I haven’t had these feelings for a long time,” Kuznetsov said choking back tears. “Thank you guys for everything, that’s huge. I’m just trying to be me and enjoy it and work hard.”
After the victory, the Hurricanes did their customary Storm Surge invented by Kuznetsov’s former Capitals teammate, Justin Williams, years ago. The team claps together around the center faceoff circle before doing a celebration. Every player decided to do Kuzy’s bird celly.
Then they mobbed him in a big team hug.
Kuznetsov dedicated his performance to his family.
“My wife is here tonight so you know the kids watching, parents,” he said. “That’s all for them.”
“Kuzy, I’ve just hated that f***ing bird thing when I had to watch it, but I love it now,” Canes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said to the forward in the locker room after the game.
Through four games, the Hurricanes are dominating with Kuznetsov on the ice as the team is posting positive 5v5 numbers in shots, shot attempts, scoring chances, and goals.
The Canes at 5-on-5 with Evgeny Kuznetsov on the ice through four games:
Shot attempts: 62-45
Shots: 27-16
Scoring chances: 28-10
Goals: 3-0
xGF%: 73.6%Lowest offensive zone faceoff percentage on the team!
New team. New man. New player. 🦅
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) March 15, 2024
“The expectation from our line is big. I think the team traded for us so we can perform and help the team win. So we understand that,” Kuznetsov said. “We’re trying to do it right. We know it doesn’t matter how many chances we generate, we need the goals.”
The team has not only given Kuznetsov support but has also leaned into his jokes and quirky sayings as well.
After his first game with the Hurricanes, Kuznetsov said, “The way I understand it from the coaching staff is that they want me to be me. They don’t want me to be a plumber out there. They want me to be me.”
The very next game Brind’Amour presented Kuznetsov with a plunger.
“PLUMBERS PLUMB,” Kuznetsov yelled eliciting laughter from the team.
The trade not only brought Kuznetsov around a bunch of new faces but also an old friend as well, Dmitry Orlov, whom the Russian centerman spent tons of time with in DC. The two friends went to the Toronto Raptors game on Friday night ahead of the Hurricanes’ game against the Maple Leafs.
“I’m living my best days and trying to take it day by day,” Kuznetsov said. “I’m enjoying it. I’m trying to take everything that’s possible.”
We're having a good time 😄#CauseChaos | #WinningSmiles pic.twitter.com/Sg8BUYyU6c
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 15, 2024
