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#StanleyCuppic.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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