Kuznetsov, coming off a season plagued by inconsistency, could be a major X-factor for the Capitals. In addition to being a key part of the offense and the power play, Laviolette gave him 2:37 of ice time on the penalty kill, a spot he has rarely played in eight NHL seasons. In the previous two regular seasons, he has only spent 2:30 of ice time shorthanded across 104 games.

Source: Washington Post September 30, 2021 02:49 UTC