Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Washington Capitals top-line center Evgeny Kuznetsov left Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals after a hit by Brayden McNabb in the first period. The play happened when Kuznetsov came up the ice with the puck. The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman delivered a backward shoulder-to-shoulder hit on the glass.
Kuznetsov exited the ice clutching his left arm/hand/wrist. He did not return to the game.
After the game, which saw the Capitals prevail 3-2, Capitals coach Barry Trotz addressed the media. He was asked about the latest update on Kuznetsov who was initially listed as “questionable to return“.
Trotz said no.
Barry Trotz: No update on Evgeny Kuznetsov. Just a clipped “No.” when asked
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) May 31, 2018
Trotz added that he believed that the hit by McNabb is questionable and that he thinks the NHL Department of player safety will look at it.
Trotz and #Caps calling the hit on Kuznetsov “questionable” and said it galvanized the bench. Believes NHL Department of Playet Safety will look at it.
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) May 31, 2018
Alex Ovechkin is optimistic that Kuznetsov will be okay.
Ovechkin said he thinks Kuznetsov is going to be fine.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 31, 2018
The Capitals are off Thursday with a travel day and will return to the ice at Kettler on Friday for practice. Trotz will have a conference call with the media at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday.
Losing Kuznetsov for any length of time would be a big blow to the Capitals. This postseason, Kuznetsov leads the league in scoring with 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) and entered Game 2 with an 11-game point streak.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
Sure looks like a shoulder to the head of Kuzi, not shoulder to shoulder, and he left his feet and there was an injury. Had Wilson delivered the hit, he would be suspended for the rest of the finals
Exactly. The NHL has a target on his back.
Pingback: Capitals vs. Golden Knights – Game 2: A Look At The Numbers | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Capitals Make Franchise History with First Stanley Cup Finals Game Win | NoVa Caps
I agree!
Double standards are everywhere, especially in the NHL.
Pingback: Braden Holtby’s Game-Saver Embodies The Washington Capitals Stanley Cup Run | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Barry Trotz Says Evgeny Kuznetsov is Day-to-Day, Brooks Orpik is Fine | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Barry Trotz Expresses Confidence of Depth at Center | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Barry Trotz Expresses Confidence in Depth at Center | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Evgeny Kuznetsov Participated in Friday’s Capitals Optional Practice | NoVa Caps
Pingback: Evgeny Kuznetsov Took Rushes on the Top Line at Morning Skate | NoVa Caps