Ovechkin 'pretty sure' Kuznetsov will suit up in Game 3

Washington Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin isn't playing as coy as head coach Barry Trotz when it comes to Evgeny Kuznetsov's status.

Trotz declared his top-line center day to day with an upper-body injury following a massive hit from Brayden McNabb in Game 2 that forced Kuznetsov to leave the contest, and he doubled down on his diagnosis after the 26-year-old surprisingly took part in the Capitals' optional practice Friday.

However, Ovechkin doesn't share the same opinion.

"I'm pretty sure he's going to play tomorrow," Ovechkin said of his linemate, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

Kuznetsov's health is a major factor heading into Game 3, as he leads the playoff in points with 25.