UPDATE: Kuznetsov will be a game-time decision for Game 3
Following Friday’s optional practice, Washington Capitals’ head coach Barry Trotz said that Evgeny Kuznetsov “hasn’t been medically cleared” yet but that he is “a game-time decision for Game 3.”
“It’s always nice to see the guy being ready,” Alex Ovechkin told Washington Post reporter Isabelle Khurshudyan. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to be fine tomorrow.”
By the way, I would bet my left wrist that Kuznetsov will be cleared tomorrow and available for Game 3.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 1, 2018
Washington Capitals’ forward Evgeny Kuznetsov took part in Friday’s optional skate after suffering an “upper-body” injury in Game 2.
Kuznetsov shaken up by this hit from McNabb pic.twitter.com/4TVhi285sm
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 31, 2018
Like his teammate Nicklas Backstrom in the Eastern Conference Final, Kuznetsov is dealing with an upper-body injury that is believed to be related to his hand or wrist. When Backstrom was hurt, he skated to but didn’t play for a couple of games. Kuznetsov is likely testing his injury while simultaneously keeping his legs fresh.
Evgeny Kuznetsov (upper body) is on the ice for practice. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/FNF5w8k4tN
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) June 1, 2018
Regardless, it is encouraging that Kuznetsov is on the ice and increases his chances of being available for Game 3. Kuznetsov leads all players in playoff points with 25 (11G / 14A).
I keep seeing Kuzy take passes with his left arm off his stick. May not be 100%, but not nearly as bad as many initially feared.
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) June 1, 2018
Washington will likely hold another optional morning skate prior to Saturday’s Game 3, so continue to monitor Kuznetsov’s status tomorrow.