Kuznetsov breaks 11-game goalless drought to lead Capitals over Kings
Evgeny Kuznetsov continues to be a difference maker for the red-hot Washington Capitals.
Kuznetsov scored the go-ahead goal with two minutes remaining in regulation Tuesday to lead the Capitals to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Justin Williams picked up a helper against his former team on the play, setting up Kuznetsov with a great effort from behind the net.
The 23-year-old Kuznetsov broke an 11-game goalless drought with the marker, although he recorded 15 assists during that span. He leads the Capitals with 57 points in 55 games this season.
Philipp Grubauer was solid making a rare start in place of Braden Holtby, stopping 39 shots to help the Capitals improve to 15-1-1 at home in their last 17 games.
Caps goal differential improves to +58 (SO "goals" not included). Second place in the NHL is the Stars at +33.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 17, 2016
Andre Burakovsky picked up a goal and an assist, while Jason Chimera put the game out of reach with an empty-netter in the dying seconds.
Washington will take its league-leading 41-10-4 record into Brooklyn against the New York Islanders on Thursday.
Anze Kopitar continued his strong play, scoring the lone goal - his 17th of the season - for the Pacific Division-leading Kings. Los Angeles will aim to get back on track Thursday when it takes on the St. Louis Blues.