Evgeny Kuznetsov had a multi-point night (1g, 1a) in his postseason debut for the Carolina Hurricanes — a 3-1 Game One victory over the New York Islanders. After the game, the Bird Man was in a serious, and at times, silly, mood when talking with TNT.
“Tough season for me personally, long season, a lot of things went wrong,” Kuznetsov said. “For me, [Game One with the Hurricanes] was a great opportunity to start something new from the fresh page. I’m glad we finish the way we finished today.”
When asked if he was nervous coming into the outing, Kuznetsov said, “No, not really. I was more excited about it.”
Kuznetsov scored his first postseason goal since May 9, 2022, as a member of the Washington Capitals. The Russian centerman tallied 1:35 into the first period on the power play, finding paydirt from a tough angle. Standing stationary, he then began doing his iconic bird celly. The goal was also the first of the entire 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.
“I feel like someone was telling me before the game like it would be nice if I score right away and get the crowd going,” Kuznetsov said. “That’s the only reason I did. My kids was here today. They still live in DC so not every time they can see me score and especially me — I don’t score a lot. That was a nice that I keep my parents, my wife, the fans happy.”
After scuffling through the first part of the year in Washington, Kuznetsov entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program in February and was dealt to the Hurricanes at the trade deadline. The 2010 first-round pick seemed rejuvenated by the move that reunited him with close friend Dmitry Orlov, finishing the season with 7 points (2g, 5a) in 20 games.
Kuznetsov later tallied an assist on Stefan Noesen’s game-winning goal in the third period, which put the Hurricanes up 2-1. The Chelyabinsk native threw a hard shot on net from the point that was deflected by Brady Skjei. Noesen found the puck at his feet and beat Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov.
For his multi-point night, Kuznetsov earned Second Star of the Game honors.
Raleighwood stars ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/7c26D25pIa
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 21, 2024
“I feel like I rise in those moments when everything is on the table,” Kuznetsov said. “Usually guys play nervous or simple. I love those moments. I played over 1,000 games professional and you know, I’m preparing myself for retirement. It’s something that I feel like big players have to make big plays.”
Kuznetsov was noticeably serious when he made the retirement comment, not offering a smile or laugh. He has one season remaining on an eight-year $62.4 million contract he signed with Washington in 2017.
When asked how he would compare the 2024 Carolina Hurricanes with the 2018 Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, Kuznetsov joked, “Oh man, I wish I could remember that run. That was good old days.” He then admitted they were two totally different teams.
“The way we played in 2018, that was special,” Kuznetsov said. “A lot of guys step up huge for us over there so I gotta make sure that this year is something special and something new. I’m just hoping we take it day by day. We don’t get too high, we don’t get too low on a normal day. So we’ve got to make sure we enjoy every day.”
He added, “It’s not what you give, it’s what you leave, right?”
