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Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals’ Game 7 hero, ‘has the joy in his game’ (Puck Daddy)

WASHINGTON, DC – He’s not jaded, nor overwhelmed by the expectations and disappointments that eventually crush the confidence of the Washington Capitals in seemingly every postseason.

Maybe Evgeny Kuznetsov didn’t realize Game 7 is where the Capitals’ journeys end, where their Stanley Cup dreams wither and die. Or maybe he’s just too new, too fresh and too blissful to know better.

“He has joy in his game. Joy in playing, joy in being at the rink,” said coach Barry Trotz of Kuznetsov, who sent the Capitals to the Metro Division finals against the New York Rangers with a Game 7 goal that eliminated the New York Islanders, 2-1.