Evgeny Kuznetsov records 3-point night, credits linemate Tom Wilson
Washington forward Evgeny Kuznetsov recorded three assists in Friday's game against the Vancouver Canucks (the first three points of his NHL career), becoming the first Capitals' rookie to post that kind of performance in six years.
Kuznetsov is 1st #Caps rookie to earn 3 assists in game since Backstrom on 3/3/08.
— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) March 15, 2014
The highlight of the game was his slap pass to set up Tom Wilson's second period goal (see below), and Kuznetsov credited his new teammate for making it happen.
“My partner get open,” said Kuznetsov, via Russian Machine Never Breaks. “He took puck, like good shot. Thanks to my partner, Willy.”
Wilson, also a rookie, was quick to return the compliment. “Kuzy made a great pass. He’s such a creative player." He added "(the) first couple games he wasn't sure. He’s really finding his groove. Hopefully we can have good chemistry for years to come.”
Wilson also tweeted this after the game:
Big win!! Congrats to @Kuzya92 on his first 3 points, DC is gonna love this kid.
— Tom Wilson (@tom_wilso) March 15, 2014
Head coach Adam Oates, however, tapped the brakes on anointing the 21-year old as the team's savior. “The first period I saw a couple times where he was a little bit out of position, but as the game went along it got better,” Oates said. “It’s a transition. It’s gonna take time. There’s gonna be moments where he looks lost. There’s moments when we all look lost out there. He’s no different.”
Kuznetsov finished the game with three assists and two shots on goal in 9:58 of ice time.