Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

As the Washington Capitals traveled home from Las Vegas off the heels of a 3-2 Game 2 win, one question on everybody’s mind was the status of center Evgeny Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov left Wednesday night’s game in the first period after a hit along the boards by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb.

As Kuznetsov was leaving the ice, he was clutching his left arm/hand/wrist. Kuznetsov didn’t return to the game.

Thursday evening, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz held a conference call with reporters from the team plane and was asked if he had an update on Kuznetsov.

“Nope,” Trotz said. “Day-to-day. We’re just on the plane. No I don’t have any update for you. Maybe tomorrow.”

Game 3 isn’t until Saturday night but the Capitals will return to the ice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Friday morning for an optional skate. Trotz was then asked if he expected Kuznetsov to be on the ice Friday.

“I don’t know. Can’t answer that,” said Trotz.

Trotz was then asked about Brooks Orpik, who took a slash late in the game from Erik Haula.

Here is the slashing by Erik Haula. @gbbhockey @granthpaulsen #Caps #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/iY8Vlzx4Ip

— #Caps3wins2theCup (@Robostop10) May 31, 2018

“He’s fine,” Trotz said.

By Michael Marzzacco
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