Washington Capitals: 2015 Was A Year To Remember

The emergence of Evgeny Kuznetsov

It seemed like the Washington Capitals waited forever for the promising young Russian to come to America after being selected 26th overall at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. There was probably a point in each of our minds that wondered if we would ever actually see him in a vibrant red Capitals sweater.

That day came as the 2013-14 season came to a close, but Evgeny Kuznetsov truly arrived during the 2015 calendar year. Kuznetsov had 13 points in the final 17 games of the 2014-15 regular season, which turned out to be a major chunk of his total points on the year.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, we witnessed his further transformation into a superstar. In his first playoff experience, he scored 5 goals and 7 points in 14 games. It was a coming out party for Kuznetsov who has continued his hot play into a new season.

He has exploded in the first half of the 2015-16 season, sitting with 33 points in 36 games, tied with Alexander Ovechkin for the team lead. His ceiling seems to be continually rising, as he dazzles with some of the quickest hands and dirtiest moves in the league, coupled with a lethal shot. He could be even better than anticipated when he was rated as one of the top prospects in the world just a few years ago.

At 23, Kuznetsov is not done getting better. and that is scary. Him and Nicklas Backstrom will form one of the most formidable center duos for years to come.

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