Evgeny Kuznetsov Took Rushes on the Top Line at Morning Skate

Evgeny Kuznetsov continued his recovery from his upper-body injury during Saturday’s morning skate. Just a day after practicing in Friday’s optional, Kuznetsov came out to the ice and received the loudest ovation from the fans at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is on the ice and drew the loudest cheers from the crowd. He’s also wearing a red top six forward jersey 👀 #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/mzBeuGTMk4

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 2, 2018

There were a couple of clues that he could possibly play in Game 3 on Saturday night. First he took line rushes at the beginning of the skate with Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is taking rushes in his normal spot on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson 👀 #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/y65BvBOMiC

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 2, 2018

Kuznetsov didn’t cycle out of the first line during rushes and was a full participant in the drills.

Kuzy didn’t cycle out of any lines nor rotated with anybody. He also partook in the drills #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/A9i5gK2KF0

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 2, 2018

Some more evidence that he could play came on special teams when he was practicing with the top power play unit.

Kuznetsov is practicing with the top power play unit 👀#ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/fM5xN2jPzg

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 2, 2018

Kuznetsov didn’t take the scratches skate.

The scratches are taking their skate. Kuzy is not with them #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Bj0QRYDeaL

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 2, 2018

After the skate, Kuznetsov was medically cleared and was allowed to talk to reporters. When asked if he was going to play, all he said was, “we’ll see.”

Kuznetsov also gave his take on the hit from Brayden McNabb in Game 2 that knocked him out of the game.

“I saw him all the way,” Kuznetsov said. “It’s a hockey play. We hit their guys. They hit our guys. I’m never going to judge the referees or other players on how they play.”

Head coach Barry Trotz told the media that he’ll be a game-time decision.

I’ll give you one guess what #Caps Coach Barry Trotz said about Evgeny Kuznetsov’s status for Game 3. #ALLCAPS #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/b91TZvfUMM

— Tarik El-Bashir⌨🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) June 2, 2018

By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo

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The big news at Friday’s #Capitals #StanleyCup optional practice: @kuzy092 was a full participant #ALLCAPS #RockTheRed #LetsGoCaps #Caps

A post shared by NoVa Caps (@nova_caps) on Jun 1, 2018 at 9:13am PDT

About Michael Marzzacco

Michael is an avid DC sports fan with a passion for writing. He has followed the Washington Capitals since the 2003-04 season, around the time his enthusiasm for DC teams really began. It was from the days when they had the worst record in the league to when they became the most exciting team in the area. His Dad took him to his first Caps game a couple of years later. One of his favorite memories was being in the stands during the 2015 Winter Classic where Troy Brouwer scored the game-winning goal with 12 seconds left. Michael graduated from Radford University in May 2016, earning a degree in journalism and focusing on sports journalism and broadcasting. His goal is to work in sports media in Washington, D.C.

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