The Washington Capitals honored Evgeny Kuznetsov with an emotional tribute video in his homecoming game, Friday.
Dealt at the NHL trade deadline to the Carolina Hurricanes, Kuznetsov made his return to Capital One Arena 14 days later where he was met by signs and a thunderous ovation from Capitals fans.
“Your joy for the game was infectious and your contributions to bringing the first Cup to the District will never be forgotten,” the Capitals wrote on Twitter. “Welcome back, Kuzy!”
The video highlighted some of the best moments of Kuznetsov’s 11-season career in Washington including his Game 6 series-ending goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018 and his Game 7 series-winning goal against the New York Islanders in 2015. There were smiles and bird cellies. And lots of cackles.
“Everyone just so excited, and was so proud to each other,” Kuznetsov said in the video, calling back to his goal against the Penguins. “That moment I understand I have such a great relationship inside the team.”
When the video was completed, Capitals fans rose to their feet and gave the 2018 Stanley Cup champion a loud ovation. Kuznetsov sported a huge grin and waved from the Hurricanes bench.
Coming into tonight’s game, Kuznetsov has five points (2g, 3a) in eight games with the Hurricanes. He is currently centering the team’s second line and skating with Teuvo Teravainen and Martin Necas.
“I’m happy for him that he landed on his feet, and he’s in a great organization,” Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said before the game. “They’ve got a great hockey team. And I think that was the objective (of the trade). Yeah, you would have loved for it to be the fairytale ending of Kuzy being able to play here for years to come and retire as a Capital, but sometimes, like we’ve talked about it, it doesn’t work out that way.
“And I think for him — as not a hockey player, as a human being — he needed to get a fresh start and leave this environment. And I think that, from having seen him, and I don’t know until talking to him and we’ll reflect back in years to come, but it looks like it’s positive thus far for his life, having gotten a fresh start, and still be able to play in the National Hockey League.”
