Evgeny Kuznetsov

Evgeny Kuznetsov has breakout game after ‘honest conversation’ with Peter Laviolette: ‘I’m starting to understand what the coach wants’

Evgeny Kuznetsov was arguably the Capitals’ best player during the Capitals’ Stanley Cup run, ending the postseason with the most points in the NHL — 32 (12g, 20a) in 24 games. Kuzy played in all situations at 5v5, centering a first line consisting of Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson, and received Conn Smythe Trophy consideration as playoff MVP.

Three years later, Kuzy finds himself at a bit of a crossroads. Coming back from COVID-19, the Chelyabinsk native found himself predominantly skating on a second line with Jakub Vrana and Daniel Sprong that was the second line in name only. The line was being matched up against other teams’ fourth lines, predominantly put on the ice for offensive zone starts, and typically benched down the stretch of games clearly due to Peter Laviolette’s lack of faith in their defense. Kuznetsov would get less ice time than both Nicklas Backstrom and fourth-line center Nic Dowd.

Kuznetsov, however, recently got promoted back to the first line and received a new opportunity from Peter Laviolette. Kuzy delivered against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, scoring twice including the game-winning goal late in the third period.

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