WASHINGTON — Evgeny Kuznetsov’s return to the nation’s capital began with a pleasant journey and featured a standing ovation throughout an emotional video tribute to one of many Washington Capitals’ largest stars of the previous decade.
Former teammate Alex Ovechkin caught a leg out and playfully tripped Kuznetsov after a whistle very early his first recreation again to his previous dwelling enviornment withthe Carolina Hurricanes, a wild 7-6 win by the Capitals in a shootout. Whereas he mentioned he stored his head down quite than have a look at the video screens, Kuznetsov undoubtedly heard the cheers and “Kuuuuuz!” chants and waved on the crowd to acknowledge the love.
“It means the world for any participant,” Kuznetsov mentioned. “I need to say thanks for all the great and unhealthy reminiscences. It was an incredible ambiance. I spent numerous years right here, so it was all joyful right now.”
Kuznetsov was the main scorer on Washington’s 2018 Stanley Cup run, the spotlight of his decade-long stint as one of many group’s core gamers. His tumultuous tenure ended by going into the NHL/NHLPA participant help program and getting placed on waivers and despatched to Hershey of the American Hockey League earlier than in the end being traded to Carolina on deadline day two weeks in the past.
Editor’s Picks
1 Associated
“It was an incredible 11 years,” Kuznetsov mentioned. “It is good to be again right here, play hockey. I want all of them the perfect. They bought a reasonably good group, and it is all constructive.”
After taking part in 810 regular-season and playoff video games for the Capitals since they drafted him within the first spherical in 2010, the Chelyabinsk, Russia, native put up 5 factors in his first eight with Carolina.
“The whole lot he is achieved since coming to us has been nice,” coach Rod Brind’Amour mentioned. “I believe he is been very appreciative of how all the pieces has form of transpired. The previous is form of the previous, and we’re making an attempt to ensure we’re specializing in only a day at a time and making him attempt to really feel as comfy as potential.”
The Hurricanes have misplaced simply twice in 10 video games since buying Kuznetsov and Jake Guentzel previous to the commerce deadline. Guentzel, who has his personal return to Pittsburgh upcoming, loved watching his longtime rival turned teammate be celebrated in Washington.
“It is particular simply to see what he is achieved for this metropolis,” Guentzel mentioned. “He is been clearly a high-end participant, so it is actually cool to see when the followers get behind him like that.”
