The Washington Capitals announced that forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will be a healthy scratch for Monday's game against the Arizona Coyotes.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery calls it a “mental reset.”
Kuznetsov was recently demoted to the fourth line during the Capitals’ game against the Vegas Golden Knights over the weekend. Kuznetsov’s 15:20 total time on ice marked his lowest of the season. He played just 3:41 in the final 20 minutes.
The 31-year-old has struggled this season, putting up four goals and five assists for nine points in 19 games. He is currently on pace for his lowest-scoring season since his second year in the NHL.
The Russian center was drafted No. 26 overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Capitals. He made his NHL debut with the Caps in 2013-14 after playing a few seasons in the KHL. Kuznetsov won a Stanley Cup with Washington during the 2017-18 season and led all players in the playoffs with 20 assists and 32 points. In 699 career games, Kuznetsov has tallied 169 goals and 391 assists for 560 points.
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