In recent matches, Yevgeny Kuznetsov not only pleases with the success of Washington fans, but also takes a leading position in important and difficult meetings. So, in a confrontation with Arizona, the Russian striker organized a comeback and twice hit the gates of Antti Raanta. Despite the fact that this did not help the Capitals to succeed, he was recognized as the best hockey player of the confrontation and the second star of the game of the day.
After the match, the actions of the Russians were admired by both his partners and rivals. So, TJ Oshi noted the contribution of the second three, but highlighted the 92nd number.
“Today we had one link that moved a lot. One guy stood out, and it was Kuznetsov. You saw how good he was today. Eugene is clearly at a different level than everyone else, ”the NHL press service quotes Oshi.
Coyotes mentor Rick Tokket also expressed respect for the opponents, but the center forward was especially praised.
“Yes, they can do something. But Kuznetsov, oh God, he was good today, ”admitted Tokket.
The meeting with Arizona is far from the first of the season in which Kuznetsov shone. In the last four matches, he scored nine (3 goals + 6 assists) points, and in the confrontation with “Florida” he was completely marked by an assistant hat-trick. First, he helped Alexander Ovechkin to excel in the majority, and then twice led Tom Wilson to the cast, and the second time in overtime.
His exploits are therefore more noticeable because in November the best NHL scorer among the Russians slowed down a little. Ovechkin shockly spent a two-week stretch in October, during which he scored eight goals and five assists, but then went a little into the shadows. Yes, in games with Toronto and Florida, he scored four and three points respectively, but in the remaining five matches he only assisted partners twice. In the absence of Kuznetsov, Washington would invariably face a crisis, but the presence of a second star would actually allow the team to continue performing at the highest level.
Largely due to the powerful performance of the Capitals leaders, they have 30 points in their assets and lead the league standings. St. Louis is three points behind; Edmonton is four points behind.
Currently, Kuznetsov with 18 (8 + 10) points shares the second place in the list of the best Russian NHL scorers with Artemy Panarin and Andrey Svechnikov, second only to Ovechkin's teammate in this indicator. On account of Alexander 23 (13 + 10) points, but for this he needed to hold 19 meetings. Eugene went on the ice three times less due to disqualification.
At the same time, in terms of the number of programs, he is second only to Svechnikov and Pavel Buchnevich from the Rangers (both 11 each), but they bring the team much more benefit. Its utility score is “+9,” which is more than any of its compatriots. The closest pursuer is Dallas striker Alexander Radulov with “+7”.
It is noteworthy that Eugene occupies a leading position in this indicator among hockey players “Capitals”. And this despite the fact that its competitors are entirely defenders. So, according to "+9" they have Michal Kempny and Radko Gudas, and in the asset of John Carlson - "+14". In the case of the latter, this is due to the fact that the American regularly leaves in the first link of the majority.
That Carlson, that Kuznetsov are famous for their ability to give the last pass to Ovechkin. As the 2019 World Cup showed, this is also a kind of art, so you should not underestimate the athlete’s ability to roll the puck exactly under the armor-piercing click of Ovechkin. This season, Eugene assisted four times in the majority, while twice the transfer was intended for Alexander.
Even more impressive is the fact that the Russian manages to benefit the team for a very limited period of time. So, with 17 minutes 32 seconds, he takes ninth place in “Washington” in terms of the average amount of time on ice per game, but at the same time rubbing is on the list of scorers.
If we take the entire NHL as a whole, then it is the third in the number of points among hockey players spending on the ice for no more than 18 minutes. On the first line is the central forward of Philadelphia Travis Konechna (19 points), one point behind him is Kuznetsov, Svechnikov and David Perron from St. Louis.
Kuznetsov’s magnificent performance in November proved that you can forget about the cocaine scandal. If at the beginning of the season the media widely discussed the athlete’s possible difficulties in returning to the ice, now there is no trace of these conversations. The athlete understood the situation and made the right conclusions, which is confirmed by his results.
In recent meetings, the Russian was regularly recognized as one of the best hockey players and collected exceptionally positive press reviews. If he continues in the same vein, then “Washington” may well be aiming to win the victory in the Presidential Cup. The last time the team won it in the 2016/17 season, for which it owes a lot to Niklas Backstrom. Then the Swede chalked up 86 (23 + 63) points and entered the top 4 championship top scorers.
It is worth noting that for Kuznetsov himself this season also promises to be, if not the most successful in his career, then at least one of those. Until now, he only scored more points in his career by November 11th. In the past two seasons, he chalked up 19 (3 + 16) and 20 (6 + 14) points, respectively. The difference is that this time it brings more benefits. So, two years ago this indicator was “-2”, and last fall - “-5”.
Given the effectiveness, one should not exclude the possible return of the athlete to the first three and reunion with Ovechkin. In the championship season, they have already managed to demonstrate the potential of this bunch, and with due regard to the matter, they can repeat the result.