Evgeny Kuznetsov's playmaking powering Capitals

Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring and Braden Holtby's goaltending are often seen as the major factors in the Washington Capitals' success, but it can't be ignored that the team also possesses two of the best playmakers in the NHL.

One is forward Nicklas Backstrom, who ranks fifth in the league with 45 assists, while the other moved into the top three in NHL scoring after an incredible performance Friday.

Evgeny Kuznetsov now leads the league with 41 primary assists after setting up three Capitals goals as his team downed the Nashville Predators 4-1.

The 23-year-old has seven assists during his five-game point streak, and now has 53 total helpers on the season, trailing only Erik Karlsson.

"I knew he was a good center, but I didn’t know he was this good," said forward Daniel Winnik, according to Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press. The trade-deadline acquisition had his first of two goals Friday set up by Kuznetsov.

His second assist came on what has become a trademark play for the Russian - a behind-the-back pass from behind the net - to set up T.J. Oshie's eventual game-winner.

"That’s kind of the stuff you have to expect," Oshie said of the beautiful feed. "He sees things that maybe only a handful of players in the league can see."

The Capitals have been one of the most consistent teams this season, and it's hard to find a player who has embodied that consistency like Kuznetsov, who has produced at nearly a point-per-game pace before and after his first All-Star Game in January.