Capitals manage win after losing top scorer Kuznetsov early to injury

The Washington Capitals picked up a big win in Las Vegas on Wednesday, but it came at a cost.

Centre leaves Game 2 in 1st period with upper-body injury

CBC Sports ·
Washington's Evgeny Kuznetsov clutches his arm after taking a hit from Vegas' Brayden McNabb during Wednesday's Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Kuznetsov left the game and did not return. (Harry How/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals picked up a big win in Las Vegas on Wednesday, but it came at a cost.

Playoff points leader Evgeny Kuznetsov was forced from his team's 3-2 victory near the end of the first period after absorbing a hit from the Golden Knights' Brayden McNabb.

The Russian centre, who tops the post-season scoring race with 25 points, immediately went to the ice holding his left arm. He then skated to his team's bench and went straight to the dressing room.

He did not return for the rest of the game with what the Capitals are calling an upper-body injury.

Capitals coach Barry Trotz offered no update on Kuznetsov after the game. 

The Stanley Cup Final best-of-seven series is now tied one game apiece. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday in Washington (8 p.m., CBC).

Evgeny Kuznetsov heads to the Washington dressing room. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

with files from Canadian Press

Comments

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.