Nicklas Backstrom may lead all NHL players in points since January 1, but Evgeny Kuznetsov has been almost just as good during that same stretch.
After scoring twice against the Flyers Wednesday night, Kuznetsov now has nine goals in his last 15 games.
Goal 1
Don’t blink – you’ll miss it. @Kuzya92 #CapsFlyers #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/F0HOAr1l8d
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2017
Kuznetsov’s first goal was sensational.
As Sean Couturier served time for elbowing Zach Sanford, Barry Trotz deployed his second power-play unit.
Kuznetsov held the puck near the faceoff dot and readied his attack. Philly D Ivan Provorov had decent positioning, narrowing the angle, but Kuznetsov was not deterred. He kicked one leg back and rifled a wrist shot.
It cruised behind Provorov’s back, then up and over Michal Neuvirth‘s shoulder.
The puck bounced out of the net, and — for an instant — play continued. The players had to be told that Kuznetsov scored. Dave Hakstol seemed keen to challenge the call, but it was a sure thing.
The tally gave Washington a 2-0 lead heading into the second period.
Goal 2
Just how @Kuzya92 drew it up. #CapsFlyers #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/CUIirx4ST1
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2017
Late in the second period, Kuznetsov scored again. During a three-on-two-break, Justin Williams threw a cross-ice pass to Kuznetsov. The Russian center then tried to needle the puck to Marcus Johansson. Instead the puck deflected off the blade of Radko Gudas’s stick and past Neuvirth five hole.
The tallies were Kuznetsov’s 13th and 14th goals of the season. He now has two goals for the second time in 11 games.
This is Kuzy's second two goal game of the season. Second in 11 games. #CapsFlyers
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) February 23, 2017
