There was a scare in the beginning of Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals with Evgeny Kuznetsov leaving the game early after he was hit along the boards at center ice by Brayden McNabb. With the Capitals back on the ice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex Friday morning for an optional skate, one of the biggest questions was whether he would practice. Kuznetsov came out to the ice before a packed house wearing a normal red top-six forward jersey.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is on the ice for the optional skate #ALLCAPS#StanleyCuppic.twitter.com/D0OLkcm3PK

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 1, 2018

Kuznetsov fully participated in each drill, work that included shooting, passing, puck handling and 2-on-1’s.

Kuznetsov is fully participating in the drills #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/aUFH8ggRYl

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 1, 2018

Here’s a shot of Kuznetsov dishing the puck out to a teammates, receiving a pass down the ice and going all the way down for a shot on Braden Holtby.

Kuznetsov dishing the puck out, controlling the puck and going in for a shot. He’s looking good out there #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/3o5dX0f8Dg

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 1, 2018

The Capitals didn’t let reporters talk to Kuznetsov since he wasn’t medically cleared yet. Trotz said that he’s still “day-to-day” and a “game-time decision”.

Alex Ovechkin remained optimistic that his line-mate could play in Game 3.

“I’m pretty sure he’s going to be OK tomorrow,” said Ovechkin.

By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo

Double tap to wish Evgeny Kuznetsov a happy birthday! 🎊🎂🎈🎁🎉#Kuzy #Capitals #ALLCAPS #RockTheRed #LetsGoCaps

A post shared by NoVa Caps (@nova_caps) on May 19, 2018 at 10:19am PDT