After being one of the Capitals’ best players in their comeback victory over the Vancouver Canucks, Center Evgeny Kuznetsov’s night against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night did not start off well, as the Caps’ star forward left early in the first period in Toronto after crashing into the boards.

Skating back towards the Capitals’ defensive zone, Kuznetsov tripped over the Maple Leafs’ Alexander Kerfoot, who was on his knees after an offside whistle, and crashed into the sidewall, with his shoulder appearing to take the brunt of the collision. Kuznetsov lay on the ice for several moments, before being escorted down the dressing room tunnel by Capitals Head Athletic Trainer Jason Serbus.

Fortunately for the Capitals, Kuznetsov would return to game action, appearing none the worse for wear after the scary collision with the boards.

Evgeny Kuznetsov is back on the bench after taking that awkward fall into the boards early. Good sign for Washington.

— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) October 29, 2019

Kuznetsov takes his first shift, moving normally.

— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) October 29, 2019

By Michael Fleetwood